QATAR. In a critical recognition of its customer service over the past 18 months, and its continuing investment in its facilities, Hamad International has been named as the World’s Best Airport at the Skytrax 2021 World Airport Awards. The consumer-voted accolade marks a breakthrough moment for the Doha hub, which opened in 2014.
The 2021 World Airport Awards recognise the efforts of global airports in adapting and meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hamad International Airport also won the awards for the Best Airport in the Middle East, the World’s Best Airport in the 25 to 35 million passenger category, and for the Best Airport Staff in the Middle East.
Top ten airports 2021 (Skytrax)
- Hamad International Airport
- Tokyo Haneda Airport
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Incheon International Airport
- Tokyo Narita Airport
- Munich Airport
- Zurich Airport
- London Heathrow Airport
- Kansai International Airport
- Hong Kong International Airport
Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “It is with great pride that we announce that Hamad International Airport has been named the World’s Best Airport at the Skytrax 2021 World Airport Awards. This is not only a truly remarkable achievement for HIA and the State of Qatar, but an endorsement from our travellers for our commitment to service excellence.
“HIA continues to serve as a global benchmark for airports around the world, thanks to the dedication and collaboration of our team and stakeholders. To this day, HIA’s crisis preparedness, business continuity strategy, and agile and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be recognised by leading industry institutions. As we look towards the future, HIA remains devoted to boosting our efforts in providing the best airport experience to all our passengers.”
Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “Inaugurated in 2014, Hamad International Airport has rapidly become a customer favourite and moved from number three in the world in 2020 to be ranked World’s Best Airport this year.
“Achieving this honour is very much a team effort, and our congratulations go to the management, staff and stakeholders at Hamad International Airport that help make this happen. As travel hubs worldwide have been impacted by the pandemic, Hamad International Airport was undeterred by the global travel disruptions and continued with its expansion plans while introducing additional airport health and safety standards. As the Official Airport Partner for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 we wish Hamad International Airport every success in helping to host such a major event.”
In a notable double for the group, Qatar Airways was named last month as the world’s best in Airline Ratings’ annual awards.
Among the other major Skytrax airport awards announced today, Istanbul Airport was named the World’s Most Improved Airport in 2021, moving from number 102 in 2020 to 17 in the 2021 results.
Singapore Changi Airport, a frequent, previous winner of the World’s Best Airport title was named the World’s Best Airport in the 10 to 15 million passenger category, and took the awards for the World’s Best Airport Staff and the Best Airport Staff in Asia.
Another major winner was Tokyo Haneda Airport, ranked number two in the world. In 2021, Tokyo Haneda won Best Airport in Asia, the World’s Best Domestic Airport, the World’s Best Airport Cleanliness and the Best Airport PRM / Accessible Facilities.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport was named the Best Airport in China, the World’s Best Airport in the 35 to 45 million passenger category and also took the awards for the Best Airport Staff in China. The airport also achieved its highest global ranking at 14, up from 30th in the 2020 Awards.
Munich Airport was named the 2021 Best Airport in Europe, while London Heathrow Airport was named World’s Best Airport in the 20 to 25 million passenger category, as well as the Best Airport in Western Europe.
*The annual airport customer survey operated from August 2020 until July 2021, with many travellers voting for their favourite or best airport based on pre-pandemic travel experiences, while other customers voted after their COVID-19 airport experience during the past 12 months, noted Skytrax.
Click here for our coverage this week of the grand opening of luxury avenue Viale di Lusso at HIA, and here for our big recent interview with Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker.
As reported, Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has confirmed exciting details of its return as a Diamond Partner for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo (11-15 October), pledging a spectacular digital showcasing of the much-anticipated Hamad International Airport (HIA) Expansion due to open in 2022.
