This Airport Was Just Ranked as the Most Luxurious in the World

Dubai Takes the Crown for World’s Most Luxurious Airport

For luxury travelers, the airport experience is just as important as the flight itself and final destination. A recent study by AllClear Travel Insurance has named the airports offering the most opulent amenities and extravagant comforts for those seeking a truly luxurious travel journey.

Here is a table with the ranking of the top 20 most luxurious airports according to the study:

Rank	Airport	Location	Total Luxury Score
1	Dubai International Airport	Dubai, UAE	83/100
2	London Heathrow Airport	London, UK	82/100
3	Hamad International Airport	Doha, Qatar	73/100
4	Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport	Paris, France	66/100
5	Sydney International Airport	Sydney, Australia	61/100
6	Singapore Changi Airport	Singapore	61/100
7	Suvarnabhumi International Airport	Bangkok, Thailand	55/100
8	Hong Kong International Airport	Hong Kong	52/100
9	Frankfurt Airport	Frankfurt, Germany	52/100
10	Narita International Airport	Tokyo, Japan	49/100
11	New York JFK International Airport	New York, USA	48/100
12	Incheon International Airport	Incheon, South Korea	45/100
13	Munich Airport	Munich, Germany	45/100
14	Zurich Airport	Zurich, Switzerland	44/100
15	Tokyo Haneda International Airport	Tokyo, Japan	42/100
16	Los Angeles International Airport	Los Angeles, USA	40/100
17	Toronto Pearson International Airport	Toronto, Canada	37/100
18	Beijing Capital International Airport	Beijing, China	37/100
19	Osaka Kansai International Airport	Osaka, Japan	37/100
20	Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport	Shanghai, China	36/100

Topping the list is the ultra-modern Dubai International Airport, exemplifying the city’s reputation for over-the-top indulgences.

However, Japan’s two major airports in Tokyo also landed impressive spots, showcasing the country’s prowess in elevated hospitality.

Dubai Soars with Its No.1 Rated Airport

Dubai has long been synonymous with luxury and grandeur, so it comes as no surprise that its international airport reigns supreme. The study analyzed over 1,800 airports worldwide before narrowing it down to 69 based on criteria like the number of lounges, luxury brand boutiques, champagne bars, caviar houses, and proximity to high-end hotels.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) achieved a near-perfect luxury score of 83 out of 100, propelled by its staggering array of amenities. The crown jewel is the onsite 5-star hotel, allowing travelers to begin their indulgent experience right inside the terminal.

Zen gardens, a swimming pool, gym, cinemas, and an abundance of upscale restaurants cater to every lavish desire.

What truly sets Dubai apart is the cluster of over 70 luxury hotels within just a 5km radius. Legendary names like the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm offer an easy transition for those continuing their opulent journey in the city.

It is recognized globally for its luxurious amenities and services. It holds the distinction of being one of the busiest airports by international passenger traffic.

The airport is equipped with a variety of high-end facilities. It houses several lounges, including the Ahlan Business Class Lounge and the marhaba Lounge, which offer a range of services from express spa treatments to massage chairs.

The Al Majlis VIP Service and Lounge, a separate facility from the public terminals, provides a unique experience of luxury with personalized services, private lounges, and dedicated limousine services.

Tokyo’s Airports Bring Japanese Luxury to the Skies

While Dubai took the top honor, Japan demonstrated its commitment to high-end hospitality with three airports making the top 20.

Narita Airport

Narita International Airport, located 60km outside of Tokyo, ranked #10 on the list with a luxury score of 49/100. This major hub for Japan offers travelers nearly 20 lounges to relax in as well as upscale shopping from brands like Tiffany & Co. and Burberry. While it doesn’t have an attached hotel, Narita does have a few 4-star options nearby for layovers.

It is distinguished by its 5-Star certification from Skytrax. This prestigious rating is a testament to the airport’s superior facilities, terminal comfort, cleanliness, shopping amenities, food and beverage options, and staff service.

The airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 each house a railway station in their respective basements, providing efficient and convenient transportation.

The airport’s shopping experience is enhanced by the presence of Aeon Narita, a popular shopping mall located in close proximity.

For relaxation and cultural immersion, passengers can visit Naritasan, a historic Buddhist temple with over a millennium of history, or unwind at Yamato no Yu, a modern public bathhouse near the airport.

The airport’s commitment to passenger comfort is further exemplified by its in-seat charging points and side cocktail tables, along with a creative menu and a wide array of beverage options. These meticulously curated features contribute to Narita International Airport’s reputation as a world-class luxury airport.

Haneda Airport

Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport secured an impressive 15th place with a luxury score of 42/100.

However, it was marked lower due to a relative lack of onsite hotels and exclusive champagne or caviar venues compared to other luxury leaders.

It is located in Ōta, Tokyo, 15 kilometres south of Tokyo Station. It serves as the primary base of Japan’s two major domestic airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

Haneda Airport is home to the Haneda Airport Garden, a complex directly connected to Haneda Airport Terminal 3. This complex features a new bus terminal, a rooftop spa, and dozens of shops and restaurants.

It also includes two Villa Fontaine hotels. The larger of the two, Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand, boasts 1,557 guest rooms, including Japanese-style tatami rooms.

The smaller, Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier, offers 160 spacious suites overlooking the Tamagawa River.

The airport also houses the Japan Mastery Collection, a store showcasing regionally revitalizing luxury Japanese brands in the departure area of Haneda Airport Terminal 3.

This store aims to raise the appreciation of products, give back to producers, and train their successors. At the time of opening, there were approximately 400 products on display, including original products.

Haneda Airport offers accommodations designed in the image of first-class seats inside airplanes, with rooms available by the hour. These rooms, called first-class cabins and business-class cabins, feature a bed, TV, and Wi-Fi. A large public bath and shower booths are also available.

Osaka Kansai International Airport

Not far behind in 19th place is Osaka’s Kansai International Airport with 37/100. This architectural marvel designed by the renowned Renzo Piano is situated on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. It serves as a significant international gateway for Japan, with a focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

The airport’s distinctive location offers travelers a unique experience, with breathtaking scenery that sets it apart from other airports.

Opened in 1994, the airport was constructed by flattening two mountains, making it one of the most expensive civil engineering projects at the time. Despite the challenges of its island placement, such as sinking and flooding, the airport has proven its resilience against earthquakes and typhoons.

The airport’s luxury is evident in its facilities and services. The main terminal, Terminal 1, serves both domestic and international flights and is directly adjacent to the railway station.

It houses the Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, which offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi and a business desk. The hotel is directly connected to the airport terminal via a pedestrian walkway, providing convenient access for travelers.

Additionally, the airport is home to the First Cabin Kansai Airport, a capsule hotel that offers amenities such as high-speed internet, a hot tub, and 24-hour security.

These features, combined with its unique location and impressive architecture, make Osaka Kansai Airport a symbol of luxury in the world of air travel.

An Elevated Airport Journey

For today’s elite travelers, luxury is about much more than the flight premium cabin classes. The full journey, from arrivals to departures, is an increasingly crucial part of the overall experience.

By highlighting airports that take extravagance to new heights, this study illuminates the global destinations going above and beyond.

Whether indulging in a 5-star Dubai hotel inside the terminal or relaxing at a refined Tokyo lounge, these atmospheric airports serve as delightful preludes to the journey ahead. As air travel continues evolving, luxurious terminals will play an even greater role in defining the true first-class experience from start to finish.

source: all clear