Airports across the Gulf continue to soar in global rankings, with Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport emerging as standout performers in the newly released 2025 AirHelp report.
Cape Town International Airport in South Africa claimed the top spot globally with a score of 8.57 out of 10, while Doha’s Hamad International closely followed with 8.52, securing its place as the highest-ranked airport in the Middle East and one of the world’s best. Riyadh took third place overall with 8.47, matching the score of Muscat International Airport in Oman.
GCC airports are cementing their place on the world stage through strategic investments in infrastructure, innovation, and customer service. The UAE’s two major hubs—Dubai and Abu Dhabi—also performed well. Dubai International Airport earned an overall rating of 8.14, highlighted by an impressive 9.1 in food and shopping and 8.9 in customer opinion. Abu Dhabi International Airport followed with a strong 8.11, backed by high marks for amenities and customer satisfaction.
The rankings are based on key performance categories including on-time flights, passenger feedback, and amenities like dining and retail. Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport received an 8.26 score, while Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Medina’s Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport earned 8.22 and 8.21, respectively. Medina stood out for its stellar 9.2 rating in customer opinion—the highest in the region.
Hamad International also led the global rankings for airports handling over 250,000 flights annually, underscoring its operational excellence amid heavy traffic. Dubai and Riyadh followed closely in this high-volume category, showcasing the region’s capacity to meet growing global travel demand with efficiency and style.
Beyond scores, the report highlights how GCC airports have become global transit powerhouses, thanks to luxury amenities, high-tech services, and top-tier carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is making rapid strides under its Vision 2030 initiative to position Riyadh as a leading global hub.
