Not all airports were created equal. While some boast incredible locations and otherworldly views from your plane seat, others have outstanding facilities inside – from dedicated sleep pods to hairdressers. Others still have scooped awards for their architecture, punctuality, customer satisfaction and environmental credentials. And for families, some airports are so child-friendly that your little ones will need to be dragged away from dedicated play areas. We’ve scoured Europe to come up with our very own list of the best places to fly from and to and ranked them according to our well-travelled team’s opinion.
Read on to discover the 30 best airports in Europe…
30th: Stockholm Arlanda Airport, SwedenRolf_52/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/r2I.qvRFZLQFEhfTwYrE2g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/a5de4b0631b128ad035834285d67db98>
Located just over 20 miles (32km) north of Stockholm’s city centre, Stockholm Arlanda Airport is well connected to downtown. Jump on a train, and you’re there in less than 20 minutes after leaving the modern and efficient arrivals hall. Sweden’s biggest airport also has a wide range of facilities, including a hairdresser and massage parlour offering everything from acupuncture to chiropractic treatments. Another perk? It has also previously been named ECO-Innovation Airport of the Year and described as a pioneer in sustainability development within the industry.
29th: Toulon Hyères Airport, FranceEyesTravelling/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bN.zOcHREONkXSXsSaOpcg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/61301532f693420b6bf4e3cc4636655d>
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A white sandy beach isn’t what you’d normally associate with an airport location. But that’s just what’s in store for passengers flying in and out of Barra Island, in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. As you’d expect for a small isle in the Sea of the Hebrides, the airport only connects to one destination on the mainland, Glasgow. Private aircraft pilots have voted it one of the most scenic airports in the world, citing the unique ‘beach landing surrounded by islands and bright blue sea’ as a highlight.
25th: Hamburg Airport, Germanytravelview/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/levF5V3W_WbHya9ZHEUqig–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/87e8d74597e662b3d31bb3da35df48cf>
Dating back to 1911, Hamburg is one of the world’s oldest commercial airports, and the oldest international airport in Germany. But it’s being brought right up to date thanks to a multimillion-euro modernisation programme called HAM Upgrade, with new elevators, escalators, revolving doors and sanitary facilities being rolled out until 2027. The airport itself features elegant architecture with large windows, a food court and a terrace that’s perfect for plane spotting.
24th: Tallinn Airport, EstoniaInFocus.ee/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fw.kposuxAK4MhSYWhmSpQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/57452fe20f7957c12fdca9f0fc516211>
If you travel through Tallinn Airport, you’ll hear announcements with a twist. They are all read out by a child – a clever solution to make passengers smile and feel less anxious about their travels. Self-proclaimed ‘the world’s cosiest airport’, it also has a library, piano and table tennis for travellers to while away the time before boarding their flight. Other perks of this compact airport include a gym and free sleep pods located throughout the terminal.
23rd: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, Spainperiscope/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2VrA3HCOIELDMAWRoXYs0A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/a815fd23c78e08f7de957caa76e0c525>
Here’s something extra special about Madrid’s international airport – it’s one of the cheapest in Europe. According to research by Eurochange, it’s the best value airport (out of Europe’s 40 busiest airports), based on factors including the price of a pint of beer and an airport lounge ticket. The airport is also well connected to the city centre, and the building has a cool design – its undulating steel roof was intended to look like a bird in flight.
22nd: Dublin Airport, Republic of Irelandmepstock/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9.7myLvxZW7jvW2RJsCa4Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/1e49bd30bf7ecca5ce74adef33135d8f>
It may be small, with just 11 destinations, but Inverness Airport is definitely mighty. In fact, it’s so good that it’s repeatedly been named the best airport in Europe. Located in the Scottish Highlands, the airport swept up at the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, for the fourth consecutive year in 2023. The accolade recognises its efforts to reduce passenger waiting time and its commitment to environmental awareness.
19th: Skiathos (Alexandros Papadiamantis) Airport, GreeceIraKom/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DGvJIOxTKfsOUaSX2dCnYw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/4140113fc40d8cbd0ef1a4f41c05ea76>
Landing at Innsbruck Airport can be a magical experience. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the Inn River and traditional Tyrolean houses, there’s the excitement of a ski or mountain adventure ahead. The airport’s deep valley location, paired with the Alps’ winds and currents, makes for a notoriously tricky approach, so pilots need to have special training to land here. As well as the panoramic mountain views and proximity to many of Austria’s best ski resorts, the airport offers guided tours where you can learn about everything from the airport’s history to baggage loading.
17th: London City Airport, EnglandSSKSCK/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/50IeBzikfGci8owIt4HkGQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/38981fb0c076264513aa45888357ed99>
This modern airport is one of the busiest transit hubs in the world, and the main HQ for the German airline, Lufthansa. With four runways and two passenger terminals, it can handle up to 65 million passengers per year. A stint here could feel like something out of a sci-fi film, with futuristic design and pioneering technology like facial recognition, which is used in both terminals. Operating biometrics at the airport is contactless and intended to be more convenient than using traditional passports and boarding passes.
15th: Brussels Airport, Belgiumiuliia_n/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FfB.XTNoy.e9LDwLPo_.JA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/30363931bff2610d6f4c6a37d3324cda>
Donegal Airport is officially one of the most beautiful airports. It has been named numerous times as the airport with the most scenic landing strip by private jet booking platform PrivateFly. The airstrip at Carrickfinn in the northwest of Ireland has dramatic surroundings, with spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline and Mount Errigal standing tall in the background. Voters said: “From the smattering of clouds, the Wild Atlantic Way appears like an oasis. Beautiful clear blue waters and the clearest sand you’ve ever seen.”
12th: Oslo Airport, Norwayphotosounds/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lV7y4in8.__xR5W5uesYlA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/257aa52fd50559aa8f737441179b6c98>
Whatever you need during a stopover, you’re bound to find it at Copenhagen Airport. From massage chairs to children’s play areas, quiet zones to sound experiences, this airport ticks multiple boxes. It’s also quick and easy to reach downtown thanks to an affordable metro service from Terminal 3 – you can be at the Little Mermaid statue in under an hour. The Danish airport has also scooped numerous accolades in recent years, including being named Northern Europe’s best airport and an award for having the world’s best security processing.
9th: Helsinki Vantaa Airport, FinlandTony_Papageorge/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5KgHewQs8GxawfZc75.6UQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/c06eb0f3e3afefe8564485d3f06c5e49>
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In 2017, Athens International Airport had a major makeover. The result is a building that’s both easy on the eye and easy to navigate. The layout is now streamlined, so you can spend less time on checking in and getting through security, and enjoy more time for shopping, dining and unwinding. The airport, which offers flights to 55 countries, also has everything from baggage storage to archaeological artefact exhibitions. Little wonder it was ranked third best European airport by Holidu, based on Google reviews.
7th: Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, NetherlandsMummert-und-Ibold/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/j3tmz1ERRcTmXUpePrXysA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/b13d9d89f3cab025a263b41655f0d446>
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A great option for families travelling by plane, Berlin’s international airport has a whole host of child-friendly features, including an entire playground and a special TV corner dedicated to kids. The airport has also been named Europe’s best by Eurochange, winning big on factors such as punctuality and speed at security checks. According to the study, Brandenburg’s average security wait time is just seven minutes, while an impressive 80% of flights departed on time.
4th: London Heathrow Airport, Englandm_sovinskii/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/S7vsOmNkAVQP4CB.egZAtQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/d9e765c5b98492255be5be5080fc90c2>
Fancy a little sleep while you wait for your connecting flight? You’re in the right place at Munich International Airport, which has high-tech sleeping cabins called NapCabs. These sleeping pods come with a separate working area and free internet access, doubling up as a quiet spot for uninterrupted work. The airport, which is beautiful and luxurious inside, also has a family-friendly adventure playground, interactive exhibits and Germany’s first golf course at an airport. Just don’t forget to catch that flight…
1st: Istanbul Airport, TurkeyYavdat/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YWRwchMP.bNHsOmW_7jHoQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/afa072ad83b1b639257768fc9fae61f7>
Topping our rankings is Istanbul Airport. Although it’s only been operating for six years, it is the world’s most connected airport, offering flights to 315 destinations and servicing nearly 90 million passengers yearly (as of January 2024). The mega-hub is a great place to wait for your flight, with 181 shops, 98 restaurants, a museum and bucket loads of spa treatments on offer. Our favourite bit? The airport has its very own therapy dogs to help ease the nerves of anxious travellers pre-takeoff.
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Publish date : 2024-10-21 10:29:00
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