Airports are often judged by efficiency, speed, and scale. But in 2025, a new ranking underscores that friendliness and service are equally vital in shaping passenger experience. Based on more than 71,000 Google reviews across 120 of the world’s busiest hubs, researchers identified the airports where staff professionalism, courtesy, and helpfulness consistently make the difference between a stressful journey and a smooth one.
Global Leaders in Friendliness
At the top of the global list is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where 73.6% of reviews highlighted positive staff interactions. The airport combines attentive service with innovative facilities, including gyms and e-sports areas, designed to keep travelers comfortable during long layovers.
Cornwall Airport Newquay in the United Kingdom ranked second worldwide, showing that even small regional hubs can deliver world-class service. Narita International Airport in Japan secured a spot among the leaders, reaffirming the country’s global reputation for politeness and efficiency.
Southampton Airport in the UK also earned high marks, praised for approachable staff and a compact layout that eases navigation. Meanwhile, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport demonstrated that even massive U.S. gateways can balance scale with warmth, professionalism, and effective passenger flow management.
“These rankings show that excellent service is not confined to geography or size,” the report noted. “From Asia to North America, travelers value staff who are approachable, professional, and willing to go the extra mile.”
North America’s Strong Presence
North American airports featured prominently, with nine in the top 20. Eight of those are in the United States, demonstrating that American-style customer service remains a differentiator.
Phoenix Sky Harbor, which welcomes over 40 million passengers annually, stood out for its streamlined terminals and digital wayfinding tools. Vancouver International Airport, handling about 32 million passengers, was recognized for its sustainability efforts, award-winning design, and family-friendly amenities.
Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport drew praise for entertainment-focused facilities and its convenient access to the Strip. Denver International Airport rounded out the group, with travelers citing its spacious terminals, iconic design, and wide array of retail and dining options.
While diverse in design and focus—ranging from Vancouver’s sustainability to Las Vegas’ entertainment—each North American airport shares a commitment to making travel smoother and more enjoyable for millions of passengers.
The UK’s Standout Performers
The UK also distinguished itself in Europe, with Cornwall Airport Newquay leading domestically and securing the world’s second spot overall. With 73.3% positive reviews, its regional scale allows for personal interactions that many larger hubs struggle to match. Southampton Airport followed closely, while London City, Exeter, and Cardiff also ranked high, reinforcing the UK’s strong presence in customer-focused aviation.
Airports Recognized for Helpfulness
When it comes to helpful staff, London Heathrow Airport took the crown, with 342 mentions of “helpful” in reviews. Dubai International Airport followed with 326, while Doha’s Hamad International secured third place with 295.
Despite handling tens of millions of passengers annually, these global hubs continue to deliver assistance at scale. Heathrow, serving more than 34 million travelers, is renowned for its premium lounges and retail offerings. Dubai International, one of the busiest hubs for international travel, offers fast-track services and extensive shopping zones. Doha’s Hamad International impresses with its modern design, art installations, and passenger comfort technology.
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and Vancouver International also earned recognition for pairing efficiency with personal attention.
Efficiency and Politeness Add to the Experience
Four of the five most efficient airports in the ranking were in Asia. India’s Indira Gandhi International in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International in Mumbai both serve tens of millions of passengers annually while maintaining design excellence and operational speed. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Dubai International also scored high for efficiency.
Politeness, another key dimension, was led by Japan’s Narita International Airport, which received 87 mentions. The airport combines multilingual signage with cultural exhibits, making international travel seamless and welcoming. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Athens International Airport also earned recognition, alongside Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International.
Why Friendliness Matters
Experts note that for many travelers, airport staff interactions define the overall journey. “Long queues, security checks, and delays can create stress. Friendly staff play a critical role in reducing tension and leaving travelers with a positive impression,” the report said.
Both large hubs like Heathrow and Dubai and smaller airports like Newquay and Southampton illustrate that customer service can thrive in any environment. For business and leisure passengers alike, friendliness remains a universal expectation.
Global Standouts
Taiwan Taoyuan International continues to set the global benchmark. Narita International in Japan consistently ranks among the best for both friendliness and politeness. Phoenix Sky Harbor in the U.S. emerged as one of the top five globally for friendliness, with the highest number of “friendly” mentions overall.
Other airports, such as Vancouver International, Narita, and Kempegowda International, demonstrated excellence across multiple categories, highlighting well-rounded performance in friendliness, efficiency, and helpfulness.
Bottom Line
The 2025 rankings confirm that passenger experience depends as much on human interaction as on infrastructure. While design, technology, and amenities matter, airports that invest in staff training and traveler-focused culture are setting themselves apart in an increasingly competitive aviation landscape.
