Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport Named Best Mega Hub for Third Consecutive Year

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has been recognized as North America's top-ranked "mega airport" for the third year in a row, according to the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. The airport's consistent performance places it ahead of major hubs serving New York and Los Angeles.

MSP scored 684 on J.D. Power's 1,000-point scale, attributed in part to its ample amenities accessible without leaving security and convenient light rail access for local passengers. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport secured the second spot among mega airports with 663 points, followed by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with 642 points.

Other Top Airports

In other airport categories, Tampa International Airport topped the "large airport" segment with 715 points, praised for its organization. Portland International Airport ranked second in this category with 708 points, and Dallas Love Field was third with 698 points.

Charleston International Airport led the "medium airport" category with 712 points, followed by Ontario International Airport (705) and Indianapolis International Airport (695).

Overall Satisfaction Increases

The study found that overall passenger satisfaction has risen across all three airport size categories. J.D. Power attributes this improvement to significant, multiyear capital improvement projects nearing completion at many of the top-ranked airports.

"On the whole, those efforts are finally starting to pay off in the form of higher overall passenger satisfaction scores," said Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power. Key factors contributing to passenger satisfaction include clear signage and ease of navigation. Additionally, food, beverage, and retail programs saw an eight-point increase in satisfaction year over year.

Defining Airport Size

J.D. Power defines mega airports as those handling at least 33 million passengers annually, large airports as those with 10 million to 32.9 million passengers, and medium airports as those serving 4.5 million to 9.9 million passengers.

The 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study is based on 24,710 surveys from U.S. and Canadian residents who traveled through at least one airport in the two countries. The study evaluates passenger experiences across seven key areas: ease of travel, terminal facilities, airport staff, trust in the airport, the departure/trip-to-airport experience, food/beverage/retail offerings, and the arrival/trip-from-airport experience.