Have you ever stepped off a plane, bleary-eyed and jet-lagged, only to find yourself in an airport that seems entirely designed to test your patience? You’re not alone. AirHelp, a company specializing in air passenger rights, published its annual 2024 airport rankings, and the results are not pretty.
Of course, every airport has its off days, and a single bad experience doesn’t define a whole place. But when a variety of factors align to create an infuriating travel experience time and time again, it’s worth taking note. AirHelp considered on-time flight performance, customer satisfaction, and the quality of food and shops when compiling their list. What they found might surprise you.
From chaotic terminals to lackluster amenities, these 14 airports are the ones travelers dread the most out of the 194 considered airports.
1. Banjarmasin Syamsudin Noor International Airport (Indonesia)
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This airport serves as the gateway to the captivating landscapes of South Kalimantan, a region known for its lush rainforests and vibrant river culture. However, the airport itself leaves much to be desired. Frequent flight delays and complaints about the limited amenities have earned it a spot at the bottom of the list.
Named after Syamsudin Noor, a former governor of South Kalimantan, this airport has a history that contrasts with its current reputation. For a smoother experience, consider flying into Balikpapan instead.
2. Malta International Airport (Malta)
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Malta, a picturesque Mediterranean island steeped in history and blessed with beautiful beaches, unfortunately, has an airport that doesn’t quite live up to its surroundings. Despite its ideal location, the airport is plagued by delays, causing unnecessary stress for travelers who are eager to explore the island’s rich heritage and scenic landscapes.
The airport’s origins date back to the 1920s, when it served as a grass airfield for the Royal Air Force. It’s a stark contrast to the modern and efficient airports found in many other popular tourist destinations, highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in enhancing the overall travel experience.
3. London Gatwick Airport (UK)
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As a major hub for budget airlines, London Gatwick is a bustling airport that sees a massive amount of travelers. However, its popularity comes at a price. The airport is notorious for frequent delays and overcrowding, often leaving passengers feeling stressed and overwhelmed before they’ve even had a chance to set foot in the city.
If you’re planning a trip to London and prioritize a smooth arrival experience, consider flying into London Heathrow instead, which is known for its superior amenities and more efficient operations.
4. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (Portugal)
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Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a popular tourist destination known for its charming neighborhoods, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. However, the city’s airport has received mixed reviews from travelers. Some have praised its convenient location, while others have criticized the long lines, limited dining options, and overall lackluster experience compared to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Named after Humberto Delgado, a prominent Portuguese general and political figure, the airport’s history reflects the country’s rich past.
5. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (Serbia)
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Belgrade, the lively capital of Serbia, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern energy. But, its airport doesn’t quite align with the vibrancy of its surroundings. Travelers have complained about its outdated facilities and lack of modern amenities, which can be a disappointing introduction to the city.
Interestingly, the airport is home to the Museum of Yugoslav Aviation, which showcases the country’s aviation history. This juxtaposition of historical significance and outdated infrastructure highlights the challenges faced by many airports in balancing preservation with modernization.
6. Denpasar International Airport (Indonesia)
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Bali, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and spirited culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. Unfortunately, the island’s main airport is infamous for delays and overcrowding, especially during peak tourist season.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali and want to avoid the chaos, consider flying into Lombok International Airport, which is a short flight away and offers a less chaotic gateway to the region.
7. Toronto Pearson International Airport (Canada)
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Toronto’s main airport is frequently plagued by delays due to weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Canadian winters. These delays can lead to missed connections, travel disruptions, and overall frustration for passengers. If you’re flying into Toronto, especially during the winter months, consider checking the weather forecast and booking a hotel near the airport to minimize the impact of potential delays.
As the busiest airport in Canada and a major hub for Air Canada, Pearson plays a crucial role in connecting travelers to and from the city. However, its susceptibility to weather-related delays highlights the challenges faced by airports in regions with extreme climates.
8. Sofia Airport (Bulgaria)
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Sofia’s airport leaves something to be desired. Some people complain about its sparse food options and lack of comfortable seating, which can be a letdown after exploring the city’s historic sites and lively atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a more enjoyable airport experience in Bulgaria, consider flying into Plovdiv or Varna, both offering a different perspective on the country.
9. Marseille Provence Airport (France)
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Marseille, a vibrant port city on the French Riviera, is known for its stunning coastline, lively cultural heritage, and revitalized urban landscape. However, the city’s airport hasn’t quite kept pace with its surroundings. Travelers have criticized its dated infrastructure and lack of modern conveniences, which don’t reflect the city’s recent transformation.
If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera and prioritize a modern and efficient airport experience, consider flying into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport instead.
10. Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (Indonesia)
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This airport in Jakarta, primarily serving domestic flights, has made this list due to its basic facilities and limited amenities. This can be a disappointment for travelers who expect a more modern and comfortable experience, especially when compared to other international airports in the region.
Named after Halim Perdanakusuma, a national hero and pioneer of the Indonesian Air Force, the airport once served as the main gateway to Jakarta before Soekarno-Hatta International Airport opened. Its current state reflects the challenges faced by secondary airports in maintaining high standards of service and convenience.
11. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (Turkey)
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While it serves as a major hub for budget airlines, the airport has scored low for long lines, limited food options, and an overall lackluster experience compared to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and prefer a modern and diverse airport experience, consider flying into Istanbul Airport, the city’s newer and more comprehensive airport.
The airport is named after Sabiha Gökçen, the world’s first female fighter pilot, a testament to Turkey’s pioneering spirit. However, its current shortcomings highlight the importance of continuous improvement and investment in infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of travelers.
12. Manchester Airport (UK)
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Manchester, a spirited city in the UK known for its musical heritage, industrial past, and lively nightlife, is a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. However, the city’s airport has faced challenges in recent times, struggling with staffing shortages and delays that have led to passenger frustration.
If you’re looking for a smoother travel experience to the region, consider flying into Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which has a reputation for better efficiency and fewer disruptions.
13. Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (Canada)
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Like Toronto, Montreal’s main airport often faces challenges due to the harsh Canadian winters. Weather-related delays can be a significant inconvenience for passengers, especially during the colder months.
Named after a former Prime Minister, the airport has a fascinating history as a previous military base. While its past is impressive, its current susceptibility to weather-related disruptions highlights the challenges faced by airports in regions with extreme climates.
14. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Italy)
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Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and natural beauty. Unfortunately, the main gateway to the eastern part of the island has been met with criticism for its antiquated facilities and lack of organization. This is a stark contrast to the island’s otherwise charming atmosphere, leaving travelers with a less-than-ideal first impression.
Its current state serves as a reminder that even airports in popular tourist destinations can struggle to provide a modern and efficient travel experience.