The Skytrax Most Improved Airport award recognises airports that have delivered the most significant improvements in passenger experience, terminal facilities, customer service, operational efficiency, technology, and overall airport quality during the previous year.
Unlike traditional rankings that reward long-established leaders, this category highlights airports that have undergone remarkable transformation and successfully enhanced the traveller experience.
In 2026, airports across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean earned recognition for major infrastructure investments, terminal upgrades, digital innovation, and improved customer satisfaction.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was officially named the World’s Most Improved Airport by Skytrax, reflecting the dramatic progress achieved under Saudi Arabia’s aviation expansion strategy.
Top 10 Most Improved Airports in the World in 2026
1. Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (Saudi Arabia)
Riyadh takes the number one position after being officially recognised by Skytrax as the World’s Most Improved Airport in 2026. The airport has undergone a remarkable transformation, benefiting from major investments in passenger facilities, digital services, immigration processing, terminal operations, and customer service.
Passengers now experience shorter queues, improved retail and dining facilities, enhanced wayfinding, and more efficient security procedures. Riyadh also continued climbing global airport rankings while strengthening its position as one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
The airport’s success reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a major global aviation and tourism destination.
2. Fukuoka Airport (Japan)
Fukuoka Airport has become one of Japan’s standout success stories in 2026.
Recent terminal expansion projects, upgraded passenger facilities, improved security processing, and expanded international services have significantly enhanced the overall traveller experience. The airport also improved its global reputation through excellent customer service and operational efficiency.
Despite its relatively compact footprint compared to Tokyo’s major airports, Fukuoka delivers an exceptionally smooth passenger journey. The airport’s continued investment in modern infrastructure and passenger comfort has made it one of Asia’s most improved airports.
3. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Taiwan)
Taiwan Taoyuan continues its impressive post-pandemic resurgence and ranks third among the world’s most improved airports.
The airport has invested heavily in terminal modernisation, digital passenger services, baggage handling improvements, and upgraded passenger facilities. Increased international connectivity and improved operational performance have further strengthened its reputation.
Passengers increasingly praise the airport’s cleanliness, efficiency, customer service, and modern facilities. These improvements have helped reinforce Taoyuan’s position as one of East Asia’s premier international gateways.
4. Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (United Arab Emirates)
Abu Dhabi secures fourth place following one of the most significant airport infrastructure developments in recent years.
The opening and continued optimisation of the new Midfield Terminal, now known as Terminal A, has dramatically transformed the passenger experience. Modern architecture, expanded retail facilities, improved passenger flows, advanced technology, and enhanced airline operations have all contributed to higher satisfaction levels.
The airport has successfully positioned itself as a world-class hub capable of competing with the region’s largest aviation gateways.
5. King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
Jeddah continues Saudi Arabia’s strong showing in the rankings.
The airport has benefited from ongoing terminal enhancements, improved immigration processing, upgraded technology systems, and customer service improvements. Its role as the primary gateway for millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims has driven continuous investment in passenger facilities.
Travellers increasingly report smoother operations, shorter waiting times, and improved terminal amenities, helping Jeddah establish itself among the Middle East’s leading airports.
6. Kumamoto Airport (Japan)
Kumamoto Airport has emerged as one of the world’s most improved regional airports.
Recent redevelopment projects have introduced modern terminal facilities, enhanced passenger services, improved accessibility, and upgraded commercial offerings. The airport’s transformation has significantly improved the overall travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.
Its success demonstrates how regional airports can achieve substantial improvements through focused investment and customer-centric planning.
The airport’s modern facilities now rival those found at much larger international gateways.
7. Punta Cana International Airport (Dominican Republic)
Punta Cana represents one of the strongest improvement stories in the Caribbean.
The airport has invested heavily in passenger processing technology, terminal upgrades, enhanced retail options, and operational efficiency improvements. As one of the Caribbean’s busiest international gateways, maintaining high service standards has become increasingly important.
Passengers have noted improved arrival and departure experiences, better facilities, and more efficient processing throughout the airport.
These developments have strengthened Punta Cana’s reputation as one of the region’s leading leisure travel gateways.
8. Rome Ciampino Airport (Italy)
Rome Ciampino earns eighth place following significant investments aimed at modernising passenger facilities and improving operational efficiency.
Although overshadowed by Rome Fiumicino in terms of passenger numbers, Ciampino has undergone notable improvements in terminal comfort, security screening, passenger services, and infrastructure quality.
Travellers increasingly praise the airport’s streamlined operations and improved facilities compared with previous years.
Its transformation highlights how secondary airports can significantly enhance passenger satisfaction through targeted investment programmes.
9. Newark Liberty International Airport (United States)
Newark Liberty International Airport ranks ninth after years of major infrastructure investment and operational improvements.
New terminal facilities, upgraded passenger amenities, enhanced security checkpoints, improved dining and shopping options, and technology upgrades have all contributed to a significantly better customer experience.
Historically criticised for congestion and ageing infrastructure, Newark has made substantial progress in modernising its facilities and improving passenger perceptions.
The airport’s continued transformation has helped elevate its standing among North America’s major international gateways.
10. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (China)
Completing the top ten is Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, one of China’s most rapidly improving aviation hubs.
The airport has invested extensively in terminal upgrades, passenger technologies, operational efficiency, and customer service enhancements. Shenzhen’s role as a major technology and business centre has driven increasing demand for high-quality airport infrastructure.
Passengers increasingly praise the airport’s modern facilities, efficient operations, and excellent connectivity. These improvements have strengthened Shenzhen’s reputation both within China and internationally.
Its inclusion reflects China’s continued investment in world-class aviation infrastructure.
Why Airport Improvement Matters
Airports that achieve significant improvement often focus on several key areas:
- Terminal modernisation and expansion.
- Faster security and immigration processing.
- Improved baggage handling systems.
- Better passenger comfort and seating.
- Enhanced retail and dining experiences.
- Digital and biometric technologies.
- Improved accessibility services.
- Stronger customer service training.
- More efficient operational management.
- Expanded airline and route networks.
These enhancements directly influence passenger satisfaction and help airports compete more effectively on the global stage.
Bottom Line
The top 10 most improved airports in the world in 2026 showcase airports that have successfully transformed the passenger experience through investment, innovation, and operational excellence. These airports have demonstrated that focused investment and a commitment to customer satisfaction can dramatically elevate an airport’s global reputation and create a better travel experience for millions of passengers.
10 Most Improved Airports in the World FAQs
The Skytrax Most Improved Airport award recognises airports that have made the greatest progress in passenger experience, terminal facilities, customer service, operational efficiency, and overall airport quality compared with previous years.
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia was named the World’s Most Improved Airport in 2026 after significant investments in infrastructure, passenger facilities, technology, and customer service.
Airports typically improve their rankings through terminal expansions, upgraded passenger amenities, faster security and immigration processing, enhanced cleanliness, better retail and dining options, and improved staff service.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
