Doha’s Hamad International Airport has been crowned the world’s best airport of the year by Skytrax, ousting the 12-time champion, Changi Airport in Singapore.
Located in Qatar, Hamad International Airport is renowned for its opulence and architectural grandeur, serving as the primary hub for Qatar Airways. The accolade comes as a testament to the airport’s commitment to excellence in customer service and facilities.
The annual Skytrax ranking, based on customer satisfaction surveys across 500 airports, evaluates various aspects such as cleanliness, staff friendliness, terminal design, and dining options. Hamad International Airport clinched the top spot for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its status as a global leader in airport services.
Among its notable features is the “Orchard,” a sprawling 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden boasting 65 retail and dining outlets. Opened in 2022 as part of a multi-year expansion project, the Orchard stands out as a symbol of the airport’s dedication to sustainability, housing over 300 trees and 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests worldwide.
Michael McMillan, the vice president of facilities management at the airport, highlighted their commitment to environmental sustainability, stating, “We have continued to showcase our commitment to environmental sustainability throughout our young history–from improving carbon efficiency to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing wastewater.”
In 2023, the airport experienced a significant surge in passenger traffic, handling over 45 million passengers, marking a 31% increase from the previous year and setting a new record, attributed in part to events like the FIFA World Cup.