Europe's BEST airports - where does the UK rank?

Off to a flyer

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, Sweden

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, France

It may be small, but Toulon’s airport is winning big when it comes to environmental performance. The domestic airport picked up the Airports Council International (ACI) eco-innovation prize in 2024, an award given to airports that have demonstrated outstanding environmental performance and an innovative approach to environmental management. The French hub cut its direct CO2 emissions by 94.5% by the end of 2023 and is on track to across-the-board decarbonisation by 2050.

28th: Vienna International Airport, Austria

Centrally located in Europe, Vienna International Airport is a brilliant jumping-off point for destinations in Central and Eastern Asia. It’s also one of Europe’s first climate-neutral airports, thanks to its green credentials that include using e-vehicles, solar energy and industrial waste heat. The airport has also won numerous awards over recent years, including the Priority Pass Global Lounge of the Year. And no wonder – its Vienna Lounge has elegant design, panoramic views and a Vienna coffee house with Austrian pastries.

27th: Gdańsk Lech Walesa Airport, Poland

Poland’s largest airport is so beautifully-designed that it often catches the eye of architecture fans, and has been dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful airports. It was extended and modernised in 2012 with a dynamic roof featuring special acoustic pads and huge reversed pyramids pointing downwards inside. But it’s not just a top performer when it comes to appearance – the airport has also been ranked among the top five airports in the world by an independent selection due to its high-quality passenger service.

26th: Barra Airport, Scotland

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, Germany

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, Estonia

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, Spain

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 Ireland

Dublin Airport has legions of fans, including those who named it Ireland’s best airport in 2024. And there are plenty of reasons behind its popularity. Passenger satisfaction scores at the airport have “never been better”, according to CEO Kenny Jacobs, who credits drop and go parking, new restaurants and faster wifi among the airport’s perks. It also has the advantage of more than 94% of passengers getting through security in 20 minutes or less. And that leaves plenty of time to indulge in the airport’s excellent Duty Free shopping.

21st: Paris Charles de Gaulle, France

France’s largest international airport, located just outside of Paris, is so big that it offers flexibility in airlines, routes and timings. It’s also the highest-rated European airport in the 2023-2024 World Airport Survey. Paris Charles de Gaulle came out in sixth position in the Skytrax awards, which was voted for by customers from across the world. Named after statesman Charles de Gaulle, the airport was opened in 1974 and today serves as the principal hub for Air France.

20th: Inverness Airport, Scotland

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, Greece

You’d want a window seat on any flight landing at, or taking off from, the Greek island of Skiathos. The views above this runway are incredible – forested hills, exquisite sandy white beaches and the glittering Aegean Sea await below on your approach. The views are so spectacular that Skiathos has been named one of the world’s most scenic airports by private jet booking platform PrivateFly. Voters said: “the feeling that you can touch the sea seconds before landing is fascinating.”

18th: Innsbruck Airport, Austria

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, England

The clue’s in the name with this one. Located less than nine miles (14km) from Charing Cross, London City is super convenient for easy access to central London. It’s much closer than Heathrow (around 15 miles/24km) and Gatwick (almost 40 miles/64km). It’s quick and affordable to reach on the Docklands Light Railway and, once there, you can fly to 33 destinations nonstop. Another perk is London City’s next-generation scanners, which allow you to pass through security without removing laptops and liquids from your hand luggage.

16th: Frankfurt Airport, Germany

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, Belgium

Keeping the kids entertained while waiting for your flight can be a tall order – which is why we love the child-friendly touches at Brussels Airport. They include an interactive wall game themed around The Smurfs. Pint-sized passengers can ride bikes, scooters and even hop into an aeroplane as part of the fun experience – the perfect way to burn off some energy before the flight. Brussels Airport also has some impressive sustainable aims, including the Shift2027 programme, which aims to make the airport Net Zero Carbon by 2030 at the latest.

14th: Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Spain

Barcelona’s international airport has a fascinating history. Inaugurated as a military base for the Spanish Army in 1916, it wasn’t until 1927 that it became a commercial airport. During the Spanish Civil War, it was again used as a military aerodrome thanks to its strategic position. Today, this location (just eight miles/13km from the city centre) makes it convenient for passengers, while sustainable touches include solar panels. There’s also contemporary art on display, including a ceramics mural by Joan Miró on the façade of Terminal 2, pictured.

13th: Donegal Airport, Republic of Ireland

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, Norway

Norway’s capital has loads going for it – superb outdoor activities, fascinating Viking history and three versions of Edvard Munch’s famous The Scream artwork, to name a few. And if you’re travelling in and out of the country’s main airport, there’s another perk – you’re more likely to arrive and leave on time. Oslo Airport has won multiple awards for punctuality from ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards. It was the continent’s most punctual airport in 2022 and 2023, using an innovative baggage system, drone detection and autonomous snow removal.

11th: Malta International Airport, Malta

Another airport with an impressive track record for timekeeping is Malta International Airport (MIA). The island has just one airport, connecting to 107 destinations via 26 airlines. So it’s remarkable that it emerged as the most punctual European airport, according to research by global travel data provider OAG, BestBrokers. It boasted just 9% delayed flights and only 0.41% cancellations in 2023 – equivalent to 90.59% of on-time departures. MIA has also won accolades for service quality within its size category by Airports Council International.

10th: Copenhagen Kastrup International Airport, Denmark

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, Finland

Helsinki’s international airport is eye-catching. So much so that it has previously been selected as one of the world’s most beautiful airports. As well as considering local, natural and cultural heritage, the Prix Versailles 2023 architecture and design competition looked at the airport’s eco-friendliness. The departure hall has a stunning wooden ceiling made of Finnish spruce, while the arrivals hall features a nature diorama called Luoto, pictured. The airport also features an art gallery, aviation museum and scenic terrace.

8th: Athens International Airport, Greece

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, Netherlands

You can bide your time quite happily at Amsterdam’s international airport. It’s home to the Rijksmuseum, which became the first art museum to open a branch at an airport in 2002. Passengers can visit free of charge, 24 hours a day, and take in the selection of famous 19th century Dutch paintings and exhibitions before or after a flight. There’s also a Panorama Terrace for taking in the views or sitting down for a meal in the restaurant while surveying the runways.

6th: Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport, Portugal

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto has been named the second-best airport in Europe by Holidu, based on data from Google Maps and thousands of reviews and ratings. The airport, which was narrowly pipped to the top spot by Istanbul, was highlighted as offering exceptional experiences. These include passengers having biometric data scanned instead of a physical boarding pass – making for a paperless and contactless journey. The airport also has a slick design, with skylights in the main terminal roof and glass walls overlooking runways.

5th: Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Germany

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, England

Welcoming over 82 million passengers a year, London Heathrow is Europe’s largest airport. It has won numerous awards for its connectivity (you can fly to over 230 destinations in nearly 90 countries), efficient operation and extensive amenities. It even cliched 21st position in the 2024 World Airport Awards – beating the likes of Los Angeles, Toronto and Sydney. Terminal 5 has beautiful views of the countryside and Windsor Castle and there’s even a chapel in the airport.

3rd: Zurich Airport, Switzerland

Zurich is an international airport with a difference. After all, it’s not every airport that hires out inline skates and bikes so you get the blood pumping before or after a flight. There’s a 12-mile (20km) track right around the airport, doable in a couple of hours. The airport also offers special tours, including plane spotting photography. Zurich frequently comes up trumps in European rankings thanks to its convenient location, transport links and family-friendly touches such as play rooms.

2nd: Munich International Airport, Germany

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, Turkey

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.

Now discover the scariest airport landings in the world