The 2026 World Consumer Airport Index, compiled by the Consumer Choice Center, has identified Düsseldorf Airport in Germany as the world's best, with Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport leading the category for large hubs. The index analyzed 60 airports globally, evaluating factors such as proximity to the city center, passenger volume, taxi app accessibility, public transport links, ease of terminal connections, the number of airlines and destinations served, and the presence of on-site hotels.
Düsseldorf Airport claimed the top position overall and in the small hub category. It services 67 airlines and offers 171 destinations. The report highlighted its efficient operations and near-instantaneous security processing.
Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport was recognized as the best large hub, noted for an average security wait time of just three minutes and offering broad passenger choice. This hub serves over 57 million travelers annually.
The index emphasized that airport size is not the sole determinant of performance. "The strongest hubs are those that give passengers more airline and destination choices, provide fast and reliable security processing, maintain dependable transport and terminal infrastructure, and avoid operational restrictions that reduce convenient connections," the report stated.
Other high-ranking airports included Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, which was ranked second among large hubs and offers a 32-minute train connection to the city center. Los Angeles International Airport followed in third place for large hubs, succeeded by Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
In the small airport category, Zurich Airport placed second, offering flights to over 200 destinations. Copenhagen Airport secured third place, followed by Helsinki Airport and Italy's Malpensa Airport.
The United Kingdom had one entry in the top ten large airports: London Heathrow, which ranked seventh. However, the report cited its strict nighttime flight limitations as a factor reducing overnight and early-morning connection availability. Manchester Airport ranked 14th in the smaller airport category, with London Gatwick following at 18th.
Among the lower-ranked airports, Seoul Gimpo International Airport finished last in the top 35 small airport rankings, attributed to weaker connectivity and declining passenger traffic. Seattle-Tacoma Airport ranked 25th out of the top 25 large hubs.
In separate research, Manchester T3 was identified as the worst airport in the UK by Which? magazine, based on factors including late cancellations, queue times for check-in and passport control, and availability of food and drink outlets. Manchester Airport has indicated that a refurbishment scheme is underway to address some of these issues.