Singapore Changi Airport has once again reaffirmed its reputation as a global leader in passenger experience after being named the world’s best airport for layovers by global data provider TripSim.

The ranking, published in early January 2026, evaluated 50 of the world’s busiest international hubs based on six key criteria: dining and café options, shopping experiences, entertainment amenities, shower and on-site hotel facilities, connectivity and technology infrastructure, and designated rest zones. Each category carried equal weight in determining the final score.

According to TripSim’s analysis, Changi excelled across all categories but stood out particularly for its state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, advanced digital connectivity, and quiet relaxation areas.

The airport consistently earns praise for its distinctive features such as the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall inside Jewel Changi, its extensive indoor gardens, free cinemas, and rooftop swimming pool—all designed to enhance the traveler experience during transits.

“Changi scored exceptionally well in nearly every aspect we assessed,” said Arber Abdullahu, travel expert at TripSim. “Its entertainment zones, technology-driven amenities, and comfortable rest spaces truly set it apart.”

Dubai International Airport (DXB) ranked second in the global list, recognized for its premium lounges, expansive shopping arcades, and luxury hotel access.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in India took third place, praised for its modern terminals and transit-friendly facilities, while Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) ranked fourth, maintaining its strong reputation for operational efficiency and passenger comfort.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) has long invested in enhancing the transit experience, expanding beyond basic amenities to create what many call a “destination in itself.” In addition to attractions like the Butterfly Garden and Canopy Park, the airport offers 24-hour rest zones, interactive art installations, and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all terminals.

Abdullahu noted that this shift toward improving layover quality reflects broader changes in global travel expectations. “Layovers used to be something travelers merely endured,” he said. “Today, passengers actively consider whether an airport makes those hours pleasant or stressful. Good food, reliable internet, and places to rest quietly can transform the entire journey.”

According to data from Airports Council International (ACI), global air passenger traffic surpassed 8.6 billion in 2024, with international travel rebounding sharply. As stopover destinations become more popular due to competitive airfare and expanded route networks, airports like Changi, Dubai, and Doha continue to invest in experiences designed to turn long waits into memorable parts of the trip.

TripSim’s full findings were published on its official website, highlighting airports that are redefining what short stays between flights can offer.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, as airline capacity gradually recovered and passenger demand strengthened during the second quarter.

Passenger traffic increased steadily through Q2, rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June.

Despite regional airspace restrictions affecting operations during the first six months, the return of international airlines, improved connectivity and stronger load factors pointed to resilient demand across key markets.

DXB handled 13 million passengers in the second quarter, bringing first-half traffic to 31.5 million, down 31.3% year on year.

Aircraft movements reached 150,600 during the first half, a 32.1% decline compared with the same period in 2025. By the end of June, the airport was served by nearly 50 international airlines, connecting passengers to 217 destinations across 99 countries.

Cargo volumes totalled 751,340 tonnes, down 28.7% year on year, while the airport processed 30.3 million bags, a 28% decline.

Despite the challenging operating environment, DXB maintained strong passenger service performance. 98.98% of departing passengers completed passport control within 10 minutes, while 98.95% of arriving passengers cleared passport control within 15 minutes. Meanwhile, 99.34% of passengers passed through security within five minutes.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the first half of the year tested the aviation system but demonstrated its resilience, adding that the airport is well positioned to accommodate returning demand as airline capacity recovers.

Looking ahead, Dubai Airports expects stronger momentum during the second half, supported by recovering airline networks and frequencies, increasing international transfer traffic, easing travel advisories, the winter schedule and Dubai’s busy calendar of business, leisure and sporting events.

DXB is also continuing investments in passenger facilities, biometric systems, self-service options, operational technology and passenger-flow improvements to enhance the airport experience.

Source: WAM

Sharjah Airport recorded a significant increase in passenger traffic during the peak summer travel period from August 10 to 16, handling more than 390,000 passengers as travelers returned from holidays ahead of the new academic year.

Arriving passengers exceeded 175,000, while departing passengers reached approximately 151,000. The airport also recorded more than 66,000 transit passengers during the week.

Sharjah Airport handled 1,175 arriving and 1,175 departing flights, serving more than 100 international destinations and reinforcing its role as a regional hub for passenger and air cargo connectivity.

The highest daily passenger movement was recorded on August 15, when the airport handled 48,859 arriving and departing passengers, including 25,251 arrivals and 23,608 departures.

The busiest destinations during the week were Cairo, Doha, Dhaka and Amman, reflecting strong demand for travel to key regional and international markets.

The airport said the figures highlight the effectiveness of its preparations for the peak summer season. Sharjah Airport had expected to handle around three million passengers and 19,000 flight movements during July and August.

An integrated operational plan, implemented in coordination with strategic partners, was put in place to accommodate rising passenger volumes, maintain smooth operations and strengthen readiness across airport teams.

Source: WAM

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim Region has expanded its air connectivity network to 18 domestic and international destinations served by 16 airlines, providing travelers with more options to destinations across Saudi Arabia and abroad.

Domestic destinations include Riyadh, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha, while international services connect Qassim with cities including Kuwait, Cairo, Islamabad, Istanbul, Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Sohag, Multan, Khartoum and Giza.

Khartoum was recently added to the airport’s international network through Tarco Aviation, with one weekly one-way service.

The expansion reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Qassim’s international air connectivity, respond to growing passenger demand and provide travelers with broader and more convenient flight options.

The airport is also continuing to build partnerships with international airlines as part of efforts to enhance the passenger experience and support the wider development of Saudi Arabia’s aviation network

Source: SPA

Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) has awarded a contract to develop an automated people mover (APM) system for the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, creating what is expected to be the world’s largest airport transit system of its kind.

The contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), its Dubai-based subsidiary MHI Mobility Engineering Services (MHI-MESC), and Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro (L&T).

The APM network will extend approximately 50 kilometers and connect nine stations, making it significantly larger than existing airport people-mover systems.

MHI and MHI-MESC will oversee the design, procurement and testing of 165 vehicles, as well as signaling technology and overall system integration. L&T will be responsible for designing, procuring, testing and constructing the remaining subsystems on site.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2031.

The scale of Dubai’s planned system will surpass existing airport transit networks, including the approximately 8-kilometer Skylink at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and The Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The APM network will connect Al Maktoum International Airport’s terminals and key facilities, helping improve passenger movement, reduce transfer times and support efficient airport operations.

The project forms part of Dubai’s broader plans to develop Al Maktoum International into one of the world’s largest aviation hubs. The airport is targeted to begin operations in 2032 and is ultimately expected to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.

The planned expansion is designed to accommodate growing regional and international air traffic while strengthening Dubai’s position as a major global aviation hub.

Source: Khaleej Times