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Since 1999, Skytrax has been pitting the world’s airports against each other for its annual World Airport Awards. The consultancy carries out a huge customer satisfaction survey, featuring more than 575 airports and 100 different nationalities. Travellers report back on practically every aspect of the airport experience, from ease of getting there, check-in facilities and shopping/restaurant options to friendliness of staff and lost luggage services. Now, the winners for 2026 have been revealed.
Once again, London Heathrow was the highest ranked British airport on the global list. It was named the 16th best airport in the world (six places above where it ranked last year) and the eighth best hub in Europe.
Heathrow also picked up the award for the World’s Best Airport Shopping. Across its four terminals, the airport has more than 345 retail and food and beverage units. So, whether you want to grab a Union Jack souvenir, a poolside book or a little present for someone on the other side, you’re certainly not short on options.
For bougier passengers, there are luxury stores like Burberry, Bulgari, Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Prada. For everyone else, there are British high street staples like Boots, JD Sports, Accessorize, WHSmith and (as of last summer) M&S. There’s even a Hamleys store for kids.
Fraser Brown, Heathrow’s retail director, commented: ‘Winning the Skytrax award for World’s Best Airport Shopping, and one of the best airports in the world, is a proud moment for everyone at Heathrow. Because these awards are voted for directly by passengers, this recognition validates what we see every day – our teams delivering a world‑class retail experience in one of the most operationally constrained airport environments in the world.’
The only other UK airport in the top 100 this year was London Gatwick, which also rose six places and landed at number 30. Read more about Skytrax’s top airports for 2026 on Time Out here.
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