Singapore Changi Airport crowned world’s best airport for layovers in 2026

Singapore Changi Airport: Singapore’s pride and joy, and a serial award-winner at that. It has been crowned World’s Best Airport 13 times at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, picked up titles for world’s best airport for food, and even been named one of the least stressful airports globally. Now, there’s another accolade to add to the trophy cabinet – best airport in the world for layovers, according to travel experts at Airport Parking and Hotels (APH).

The 2026 APH rankings were compiled using data from official airport websites, third-party travel resources, and public platforms such as Google Reviews. Factors assessed included the number of dining options, average food prices, availability of shower facilities and sleeping pods, WiFi access, lounge numbers and overall passenger ratings. Basically, all the things that make or break a long transit.

Topping the global list is Changi Airport, boasting 247 restaurants and cafés, 16 lounges, plus readily available WiFi and shower facilities. Dubai International Airport takes second place, thanks to its 23 lounges and relatively affordable dining options. Coming in third is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the only North American airport to break into the top 10.

Here are the top ten best layover airports in the world: 

1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Dubai International Airport
3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
4. Tokyo Haneda Airport
    Incheon International Airport
    Shanghai Pudong International Airport
7. Indira Gandhi International Airport
    Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
    El Dorado International Airport
10. Kempegowda International Airport
     Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

APH also zoomed in on the world’s best airports for layover food – and once again, Changi Airport clinched the top spot. The category is largely dominated by Asian hubs, with Tokyo Haneda Airport ranking third, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport sixth, Ninoy Aquino International Airport seventh, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport ninth.

Here are the top ten best airports for layover food choices:

1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. O’Hare International Airport
3. Tokyo Haneda Airport
4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
5. LaGuardia Airport
6. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
7. Ninoy Aquino International Airport
8. John F. Kennedy International Airport
9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport
10. Istanbul Airport

You may view the full report here. 

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