Since the FIFA World Cup 2022, Doha’s Hamad International Airport expanded by 50%, allowing for 58 million travelers per year. The expansion involved a large indoor tropical garden stretching 10,000 square meters with over 300 trees and 25,000 plants. 

Now, the airport has been recognized as the world’s best at the annual Skytrax Awards, often dubbed the Oscars of the airport industry, dethroning the 12-time champion, Singapore Changi Airport.

The airport also clinched the title of “world’s best airport shopping” for the second time and “best airport in the Middle East” for the tenth consecutive year. 

Hamad International Airport, the main airport for the city of Doha, is said to be about a third of the size of Qatar’s capital city. It is spread over 600,000 square meters and is equal to 75 football fields. While Hamad International Airport secured the second rank last year, it was described as the most architecturally significant and luxurious terminal complex in the world. 

CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer expressed his delight at the timing of this year’s award, coinciding with the airport’s milestone 10th year of operations.

“This year, HIA celebrates its milestone 10th year of operations, and we are truly honored that passengers have voted us the best airport in the world for a third time,” said Al Meer. 

Following closely behind Singapore’s Changi Airport, Seoul Incheon Airport secured third place, with Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports rounding out the top five.

Dubai Airport came in seventh place, 10 positions higher than in 2022.  

Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah was named the best in the Middle East.