When it comes to the best airports in the world, America is flyover country

Travelers who want to fly out of a modern, attractive airport with efficient security, classy restaurants, and top-notch shopping should detour the United States.

According to the aviation ranking website Skytrax, only one US airport is ranked. top 20 in the world — Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Washington, No. 18. Other parts of the continent are not so hot either. Only his other fight hub in North America, Vancouver International Airport in Canada, is his 20th.

To fly in style, head to Europe and Asia, which have 9 and 8 of the best airports respectively, with Melbourne Airport in Australia ranked 19th.

Singapore’s Changi Airport tops the list, according to Skytrax, based on a customer satisfaction survey of more than 550 airports that evaluated terminal layout, security procedures, seating, transportation options, dining areas, shopping, and more.

Singapore’s largest airport has often dominated lists of the world’s best airports despite falling down the rankings due to the coronavirus pandemic. shopping Outlets and lush indoors garden.

Other top Asian airports include Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which landed second on Skytrax’s list, and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (third). Europe’s top airports include Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (5th) and Munich International Airport (7th).

U.S. airports, most of which are publicly owned and operated by state, local, or quasi-public entities such as airport and port authorities, suffer from spotty state investment in infrastructure. report From the Congressional Research Service.

By comparison, 41% of European airports have individual shareholders. according to To the Airport Council International, the organization that oversees international airport standards and industry practices.

If US airports are not respected, at least one flight hub previously considered US Worst airport in the country New York’s LaGuardia Airport. SkyTrax named the facility’s Terminal B, which opened last year, as the best new terminal in the world. According to the Port Authority, the project is the result of a multi-billion dollar public-private partnership.

Here are the top 20 airports in the world, ranked by Skytrax:

1. singapore changi airport
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)
4. Incheon International Airport
5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
6. Istanbul Airport
7. munich airport
8. Zurich airport
9. Narita International Airport
10. Madrid Barajas airport
11. Vienna International Airport
12. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
13. Rome Fiumicino Airport
14. Copenhagen airport
15. Kansai International Airport
16. Chubu Centrair International Airport
17. Dubai International Airport
18. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
19. melbourne airport
20. Vancouver International Airport