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Have you ever thought of exploring the most popular airports around the globe? Airport exploration is slowly becoming a favourite among modern travellers. Each year, there are swaths of travellers who fly to famous tourist places, who also ensure to enjoy the experience at some of the world’s leading airports. But people are often averse to the idea of visiting airports as they are far too busy and crowded for exploring. However, a trip to popular places like Amsterdam and Bangkok gives you the chance to visit top-rated airports.
Airports have come a long way since the dawn of the jet age. They have advanced significantly over the years to provide best-in-class amenities aimed at enhancing the modern travel experience. The number of airports around the world has also increased over the last decade. So, while there is an abundance of tourist spots and travel destinations you must visit, here are 20 famous airports that are worth adding to your list among the 40,000+ airports in the world!
Widely known as Dammam Airport, King Fahd International Airport caters to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Opened to the public in 1999, the airport features convenience stores like Meed and WHSmith. There are also restaurants like McDonald’s and Subway, where you can feast on a vast variety of delicacies. The airport has a royal terminal that is exclusively meant for the royal family of Saudi Arabia. King Fahd Airport is also steeped in a long and rich history. Few people know that the airport was used as a US airbase during the Gulf War period.
Opened in 1960, Dubai International Airport has forever been a dream destination for travel buffs. The airport has outlets of popular cafes like Nutella Café and Costa Coffee, where travelers can get the much-needed sugar rush. The airport catered to 88 million passengers in 2017 alone. Dubai International Airport is currently the world’s 19th busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. Moreover, you can also have a look at the list of best hotels near Dubai Airport here!
Hong Kong International Airport is famous for housing an IMAX theatre, where travellers can enjoy blockbuster movies. The airport has a North Satellite Concourse which, in turn, features ten jet bridges. The Aviation Discovery Centre in the airport is ideal for tourists who want to learn about Hong Kong’s aviation industry.
Chubu Centrair International Airport has become one of the top attractions in Japan lately. The airport was opened to the masses on 17 February 2005. The relaxation plaza at the Airport boasts a mesmerising Japanese-style spa to help you unwind from the hustle. In 2016, Chubu International Centrair Airport was publicly awarded for being the 6th best airport in the world.
Equipped with two terminals, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport boasts world-famous restaurants like KFC, Master Kong and Starbucks. Be it western food or Cantonese cuisine, the restaurants at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport will not disappoint you at all. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport handled 43.8 million passengers in 2020 when the global aviation industry had been badly hit by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When it comes to the best airports around the world, India isn’t far behind. Indira Gandhi International Airport features plenty of restaurants like Delhi Capitals And Irish House to satiate hardcore foodies. Moreover, it houses many stores of international brands like Puma and Lacoste to unleash the shopper in you.
Do check out our guide on things to keep in mind at Delhi Airport – Indira Gandhi International Airport in detail here!
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is Netherland’s major international airport.
The airport boasts around 223 boarding gates and a dedicated rooftop area for aviation enthusiasts. Amsterdam Airport features a cultural zone known as Holland Boulevard, where tourists can delve deep into the history of Dutch Culture.
Opened in 2014, Hamad International Airport features the store of the world-famous brand Gucci which sells Italian goods and accessories. Al Jazeera Perfumes, Bally, and Burberry are some other notable stores in the airport. The highlight at Hamad International Airport is the massive statue of a teddy bear, one glimpse of which can enthral anyone.
Being the biggest airport in South Korea, Incheon International Airport commenced its operations in March 2001. Eateries like Burger King and KFC have made this airport incredibly popular. There are numerous decent eateries in the airport that stay open around the clock.
You will definitely enjoy the food scene at Kansai International Airport. The airport premises are dotted with western restaurants like Subway, Burger King, McDonald’s, etc. It might sound surprising, but Terminal 1 of the airport was designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Being Switzerland’s largest international airport, Zurich Airport witnesses a heavy influx of travellers each year. The airport was opened back in 1948, and it has undergone several expansions over the years. The airport complex comprises a shopping mall, bars, restaurants, and a railway station as well. Zurich Airport is a hub for Swiss International Air Lines.
Opened in 1931, Tokyo International Airport is the second Japanese Airport that we have included in this top 20 list. Tokyo Airport is popularly known as Haneda Airport and it serves the Greater Tokyo Area. Apart from 3 passenger terminals, the airport features a dedicated shopping area, conference rooms, and a rooftop cafe, where you can chill with your fellow travellers.
Previously known as London Airport, Heathrow Airport is a hub for British Airways. The airport is perfect for shopping lovers as it features stores of leading brands like Bulgari, Cartier, and Boss. Do try out Gordon Ramsay Plane Food during your visit to add that extra zing to your travel experience.
A visit to the Changi Airport can give you the golden opportunity to witness the world’s biggest kinetic rain sculpture.
The airport boasts a beautiful orchid garden where you can break away from the hustle and bustle. Perch, Pazzion Café, and Sanook Kitchen Jewel are some of the best eateries within the airport where you can relish wholesome meals.
Munich International Airport attracts aviation buffs from all over the world. The Picard store at Munich Airport is ideal for travellers looking to buy high-quality handbags and clothing accessories. The airport also boasts comfy lounges and restaurants serving both German and European dishes.
Opened in July 1952, Helsinki Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in Finland. The airport has the capacity to handle around 350 departures on a daily basis. Helsinki Airport features 2 terminals linked by a pedestrian connection. The airport offers everything from blazing-fast WiFi to restaurants and cafes.
Frankfurt Airport is a world-famous tourist spot that draws plenty of travellers from different corners of the world. The airport is situated in the 5th largest city in Germany. The airport complex houses stores of iconic brands like Samsonite, Boggi Milano, Geox, Germany & More, etc.
Check out the latest offers on Flight to Frankfurt Airport here!
Having become a leading hub for Turkish Airlines, Istanbul Airport turned into Europe’s busiest airport by serving over 37 million passengers in 2021. The airport currently has 1 terminal and 5 concourses. Istanbul Airport features an in-house art gallery that showcases the works of renowned Turkish photographer Ara Güler.
Also known as Roissy Airport, Charles de Gaulle Airport is the biggest international airport in France. The airport was opened in 1974, and it serves the Paris metropolitan area. The Disneyland Paris Boutique at Charles de Gaulle Airport is your go-to store for souvenirs and Disney-exclusive toys.
Opened in April 1925, Copenhagen Airport serves as a hub for Scandinavian Airlines. The airport boasts food chains such as Starbucks and Burger King to enliven the foodie within you. If you are craving some relaxation, you will find comfy massage chairs across the terminals. The airport also features a Royal Copenhagen store for all your ceramic shopping needs.
When you embark on a trip to your favourite tourist spot, you should never miss out on the airports in close proximity. Air travel is a popular mode of travel nowadays and also very convenient. Unlike before, airports boast a wide choice of restaurants, bars, lounges, shopping stores, etc., to provide passengers with a comfortable experience.
Consider the offers on hotel bookings and flights on Cleartrip to boost savings while exploring your favourite airports around the world. Also, make sure you keep a decent camera handy to capture your travel experience at the airport premises.
As of now, there are more than 41,700 airports around the world.
Now that COVID-19 cases have started declining, airports around the globe are returning to operating with the same strength, albeit with stringent guidelines and precautions. The most popular airports in the world are open to travellers.
In a bid to curb the spread of the pandemic, airport authorities have made wearing masks mandatory at the airport. You must keep your mask on at all times to ensure a safe travel experience.
Children are allowed within airport premises provided that they are accompanied by at least one adult.
Named after Saudi Arabia’s former king, Dammam Airport is presently the biggest airport in the world in terms of area.
