“TOP 10 Coolest Airports: Enhancing Travel Experience with Amenities from Rooftop Pools to Live Music and Art Galleries.”
Travelers are often eager to return home swiftly, but the airport experience can either enhance or detract from their journey. While some airports can pleasantly immerse passengers in a holiday mood before they even board their planes, others can be a source of frustration. A select few airports offer everything needed for relaxation, boasting amenities like rooftop pools, art galleries, upscale shops, cinemas, and live music—all within the confines of the airport. Below, we unveil the top ten most impressive airports in the world.
10. Singapore Changi Airport
Changi Airport, renowned for its extensive connectivity, serves as a pivotal hub with over 200 destinations and 80 international airlines facilitating approximately 5,000 take-offs and landings weekly. Distinguished by its commitment to incorporating natural elements, each terminal boasts botanical gardens featuring diverse flora such as sunflowers, butterflies, and rare orchids.
The Sunflower Garden, housing a myriad of butterflies, alongside the rooftop cactus garden showcasing over 100 species of succulents, exemplifies the airport’s dedication to providing a unique passenger experience. Notably, complimentary amenities abound, including Xbox 360 and PlayStation games, themed nature gardens, and cinematic screenings at the in-house theater, augmenting passengers’ pre-flight leisure options.
Changi Airport’s botanical gardens, complemented by serene ponds, offer a tranquil retreat for travelers awaiting their flights. Further enhancing the passenger experience are the 24-hour spas, rooftop swimming pool, and comprehensive movie theater facilities. Recognized by the Skytrax World Airport Awards for an unprecedented six consecutive years as the World’s Best Airport, Changi Airport stands as a paragon of excellence in airport management and service provision.
Amidst its status as one of Southeast Asia’s largest transit hubs, Changi Airport remains an integral component of Singapore’s bustling economy. Its opulent amenities, efficient operations, architectural splendor, and diverse dining and retail offerings consistently attract travelers seeking unparalleled comfort and convenience. The airport’s enduring appeal underscores its enduring status as one of the world’s preeminent aviation facilities.
09. Hong Kong International Airport
Nestled on the artificial island of Chek Lap Kok off Hong Kong’s coast, this vibrant airport offers an array of attractions. Begin your adventure at the Aviation Discovery Center, where interactive simulators allow you to practice plane landings.
But wait, there’s more! Experience China’s largest IMAX theater and the SkyCity Nine Eagles golf course, complete with a virtual golf simulation room called GreenLiveAir. Sports enthusiasts will also enjoy the interactive educational park for children and complimentary cocktails at the Lan Kwai Fong Bar.
Renowned for its vastness, efficiency, and stunning architecture, the airport ensures travelers stay entertained at every turn. With IMAX theaters, art exhibitions, aromatherapy spas, and virtual golf courses, boredom is never an option. Just a five-hour flight away from global destinations, it serves as a hub for major airlines like Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines.
Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the SkyDeck roof terrace or the chance to explore the airport’s fascinating history. With its diverse attractions and amenities, Hong Kong International Airport rightfully earns its spot among the world’s coolest airports.
08. Incheon International Airport , South Korea
Incheon Airport, one of South Korea’s largest and busiest airports, offers an array of amenities for travelers. From private dorms to a casino, golf course, spa, and indoor gardens, it caters to every need. For those in need of rest, the airport provides private dorms and free showers stocked with essentials like toothpaste and towels.
Reclining lounges in dimly lit areas ensure passengers can enjoy a comfortable nap. Incheon Airport also boasts shopping and dining options, along with cultural performances and a museum showcasing Korean culture. Travelers can even engage in traditional Korean crafts or enjoy the in-terminal ice-skating rink.
With seven eco-gardens, a 72-hole golf course, and a synthetic ice rink, boredom is non-existent during a layover at Incheon. Recognized as one of the world’s cleanest and most prestigious airports, it has earned a five-star rating from Skytrax. Don’t miss the mesmerizing masque-dance performances, offering a glimpse into Korean culture. Incheon Airport truly stands out as one of the coolest airports worldwide.
07. Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport boasts a unique feature: a jungle within its premises. With two terminals, KLIA Main and the newer klia2, it offers travelers numerous amenities, including free WiFi and an impressive mall.
Surrounded by 86 tree species and streams, the airport creates a serene environment. The Satellite Terminal gardens feature attractions like the Jungle Boardwalk and palm trees encased in circular glass, embracing the airport’s green theme.
A wooden boardwalk leads through the lush rainforest, complete with a waterfall—a true airport in the forest. Travelers can unwind with spa treatments or opt for a rest at the Capsule Transit Airport Hotel, which offers capsule-style beds and showers, along with luggage storage facilities.
Encompassing 39 square miles, plans are underway to construct a ‘Spotter’s Deck’ for optimal aircraft viewing. As one of Malaysia’s busiest and largest airports, it ranks 23rd globally. Operated by Malaysia Airports (MAHB), Kuala Lumpur International Airport offers a unique blend of modern amenities and natural beauty.
06. London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport holds the title of the UK’s and Europe’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, drawing visitors not just for flights but also for its renowned culinary offerings. Serving as a major hub for Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, it witnesses an aircraft departing or arriving every 45 seconds.
The airport’s top destinations include Dubai, Dublin, New York, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong. With six terminals, Terminal 6 is reserved for heads of state, dignitaries, royals, and select celebrities.
Owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings, the facility observes flight operations from 23:30 to 04:30 daily. Spanning approximately 4.74 square miles, it hosts a resident press corps and boasts world-class amenities.
Beneath Terminal 5 lies a bustling departure gate with a hidden “ghost” train station. The airport’s iconic control tower overlooks two runways, each resurfaced every ten years.
Heathrow is synonymous with shopping and dining experiences, featuring international fashion boutiques, art exhibitions, and a diverse range of eateries. Its status as one of the world’s coolest airports is underscored by its vibrant atmosphere and array of amenities.
05. Munich Airport , Germany
Munich Airport stands as one of the world’s major airports, ranking among Europe’s busiest and Germany’s second busiest. Renowned for its exceptional food and beverage offerings, it features a brewery serving seven types of beer straight from the tap.
In addition to culinary delights, the airport boasts a miniature golf course, interactive aviation models, and a giant slide for entertainment. Throughout the year, Munich Airport hosts various events including beach volleyball tournaments, children’s parties, and a Christmas market.
As a significant hub for Lufthansa, the airport’s airy, glass-heavy architecture adds to its allure. Travelers can also enjoy amenities like a vast skating rink and real Christmas trees adorning the premises.
For weary travelers with limited time before their flight, Munich Airport offers nap cabs—sleep pods equipped with freshly made-up beds, USB charging stations, work areas, and free WiFi.
Awarded five stars by Skytrax, Munich Airport is known for its punctuality, with flights typically departing on time. Its hosting of professional contests further solidifies its status as one of the world’s coolest airports.
04. McCarran International Airport, LAS VEGAS, USA
Commonly referred to as LAS, McCarran International Airport features two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, catering to a diverse range of travelers. Visitors can explore a museum showcasing the rich history of aviation in southern Nevada, while slot machines scattered throughout the airport offer quick entertainment.
LAS boasts a brewery, local restaurants, and numerous pubs, ensuring travelers have plenty of dining options. With nonstop flights to destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia, the airport serves as a vital transportation hub.
All runways at McCarran Airport have been resurfaced with concrete, and three tram lines—green, blue, and red—connect terminals for convenient transit. Terminals also offer affordable parking rates, with shuttle services available free of charge from Level 0.
For private aircraft, the airport hosts two fixed-base operators: Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support. Cargo services are provided by airlines such as Aloha Air Cargo, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines.
McCarran Airport accommodates helicopter operators like Sundance Helicopters, Maverick Helicopters, and Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, each with their own terminal. Additionally, the airport’s cellphone lot offers free parking for those awaiting arriving passengers.
Art enthusiasts can appreciate five art displays at the airport, including murals, glass sculptures, concrete sculptures, and children’s art, adding a touch of culture to the travel experience.
03. Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport stands out for its lightning-fast Internet and efficient check-in processes, catering to passengers with over 260 flight destinations. Smart gates and walkthroughs streamline the check-in process, allowing travelers to bypass long queues effortlessly.
The airport boasts a wide array of dining options, including Wolfgang Puck restaurant, and is renowned for its “Wow-Fi,” offering speeds of up to 39.50 Mbps—the fastest in the world. Visitors are impressed by the amenities, such as indoor ‘Zen’ gardens and a health club offering access to swimming pools, gyms, and saunas.
Dubai International Airport’s terminals feature stunning design elements like palm tree-lined walkways and welcoming archways leading to check-in counters. Travelers seeking relaxation can rent a Snooze Cube—a luxurious sleep pod equipped with a TV and WiFi.
As the world’s fastest-growing aviation hub, DXB serves as a central hub for airlines like Qantas, Emirates, and Fly Dubai. Additionally, its duty-free store is the world’s largest, offering an extensive selection of products for travelers.
02. Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, identified by the airport code BKK, boasts top-notch airport lounges offering delectable cuisine and reliable WiFi. With 130 passport control checkpoints for arrivals and 72 for departures, the airport ensures smooth transitions for passengers.
Designed by Murphy/Jahn Architects, Suvarnabhumi Airport features 107 moving walkways and can handle up to 76 flight operations per hour. Both international and domestic flights share the terminal, with separate areas designated for each.
Accor Group operates a 600-room hotel under the Novotel Suvarnabhumi brand, conveniently located above the underground rail link station and adjacent to the passenger terminal building.
The airport’s main terminal roof showcases innovative structural design elements, but despite being among the world’s top 100 airports in 2019, it has faced criticism for issues like insufficient seating and phone charging points, lengthy immigration queues, and inadequate information displays.
While lacking amenities like pools or museums, Suvarnabhumi Airport remains one of the world’s largest passenger airports, offering diverse dining options ranging from fast food to authentic Thai and Asian cuisine. For travelers with time to spare, an in-airport train on the lower level provides easy access to Bangkok city, known for its vibrant atmosphere at any hour.
01. Samui International Airport , Bangkok
Samui International Airport stands out for its stunning design, crafted primarily from bamboo and thatch, giving it a unique tropical feel. Privately owned by Bangkok Airways, it is conveniently located on one of Thailand’s major island destinations, offering easy access for travelers.
The airport’s terminals are adorned with tropical flowers, creating an ambiance reminiscent of an exotic holiday getaway. Despite being a small, privately run operation, check-in and baggage collection processes may take some time.
Travelers can explore a selection of cafes, boutique stores, and a food court known as Samui Park Avenue, offering cultural cuisine and shopping experiences. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is Thailand’s largest island and serves as a charming tropical paradise surrounding the airport.
Samui International Airport facilitates daily international flights to key destinations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. With two terminals for domestic and international flights, airlines operating at the airport include Bangkok Airways, Berjaya Air, SilkAir, and Tibet Airlines.
To enhance passenger comfort, the airport sometimes utilizes natural airflow to cool the terminals. The best time to visit Samui International Airport is from mid-January to August, offering travelers a glimpse into the beauty and serenity of Thailand’s tropical paradise.
