The 20 Most Luxurious Airports in the World

A new report has ranked the top 20 most luxurious airports in the world based on their lounge facilities, designer stores, and vicinity to high-end hotels.

The report from travel insurance providers AllClear analyzed 1,800 airports from across the globe, giving each a score based on how many lounges are available to travelers, how many designer stores it has, how many 4- and 5-star hotels can be found nearby, and whether it passes the ultimate luxury test – having a champagne bar or caviar house.

Unsurprisingly, for a city renowned for its wealth and opulence, Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been revealed as the most luxurious airport in the world. 

Photo: Emirates Lounge. Courtesy of Dubai International Airport

Despite being one of the world’s busiest airports, with over 87 million passengers passing through its doors in 2023, DXB offers comfortable and luxurious experiences throughout its terminals.

As the primary hub for Emirates, DXB boasts more than 30 lounges where passengers can relax before their flight. The airport also has a wide range of high-end fashion boutiques, a champagne bar, a caviar house, and a 5-star hotel in Terminal 3. 

Photo: Dubai International Hotel at Concourse B. Courtesy of Dubai International Airport

One thing that sets DXB apart from other airports is the abundance of luxury hotels in the surrounding area. Over 70 high-end hotels are within a three-mile radius of the airport, giving travelers a wide selection to choose from. 

In addition to the luxurious amenities, DXB offers tranquil gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a cinema, and many other facilities to make passengers’ travel experience as comfortable as possible.

Heathrow Runner Up

London Heathrow (LHR) is closely behind DXB in second place. As the main hub for British Airways, it has one of the highest concentrations of airport lounges anywhere in the world. It’s also home to almost every luxury retail brand you can think of.

Photo: Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5. Courtesy of BAA Airports Limited.

Another Middle Eastern airport was in third place—Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH). Like Dubai, this airport is home to an airline powerhouse—Qatar Airways—and has a huge number of 4- and 5-star hotels within a three-mile radius and a wide range of luxury retail stores. Its numerous water features throughout add to the sense of comfort and tranquility.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) was found to be the fourth most luxurious airport in the world, followed by Sydney International Airport (SYD) in fifth place and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)—often regarded as the best in the world—in sixth.

Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Changi Airport

The world’s top 20 most luxurious airports are dominated by those in Asia, with Middle Eastern and Far Eastern airports making up over half the list. 

Just three North American airports made the top 20—New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 11th place, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in 16th, and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in 17th.

The World’s Top 20 Most Luxurious Airports