2025 ranks: These are the best airports in GCC

The world’s best airports have been ranked for 2025, highlighting top performers in overall passenger experience, service quality, and infrastructure. Leading the global list is Cape Town International Airport in South Africa, scoring an impressive 8.57 out of 10. Not far behind is Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar, with a strong score of 8.52. Riyadh King Khaled International Airport in Saudi Arabia secured third place with 8.47. These airports have been recognised for excellence in facilities, service, and overall passenger satisfaction.

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Airports in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—play a vital role in global and regional connectivity. Over recent years, these nations have made strategic investments in aviation infrastructure to support economic diversification, tourism growth, and logistics development. The region is home to major hubs such as Dubai International Airport (DXB), Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, each renowned globally for their capacity, innovation, and premium passenger services.

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar lead the GCC in international air traffic, bolstered by world-class carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its aviation sector as part of its Vision 2030 plan, aiming to transform Riyadh into a major global transit hub. Meanwhile, Oman and Bahrain are steadily upgrading their airports to attract more tourists and boost regional competitiveness.

GCC airports are notable for integrating advanced technologies, luxury amenities, and streamlined operations that serve millions of travelers annually. Additionally, these airports are critical cargo gateways connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. With ongoing investments and expansions, GCC airports are set to maintain their pivotal role in global aviation, reinforcing the region’s position as an essential link in international air travel and commerce.

AirHelp airport rankings highlight GCC strength

According to the 2025 AirHelp airport ranking report, several GCC airports earned high marks across categories such as customer opinion, food and shopping, and on-time performance.

Dubai International Airport scored 8.14 overall, standing out with exceptional food and shopping options rated 9.1 and a strong customer opinion score of 8.9. Abu Dhabi International Airport also performed well with an overall score of 8.11, backed by favorable ratings in customer satisfaction (8.6) and amenities (8.7). These scores underline the UAE’s competitive edge in delivering superior passenger experiences through quality service and diverse offerings.

Doha Hamad International Airport leads the GCC with a remarkable overall score of 8.52. The airport received high marks for customer opinion (8.9) and food and shopping (9.0), reinforcing its reputation as a world-class facility. Riyadh King Khaled International Airport and Muscat International Airport in Oman tied with scores of 8.47. Riyadh was praised for its customer satisfaction rating of 8.8 and consistent performance across categories, while Muscat excelled in food and shopping (8.6) and maintained solid scores in customer satisfaction (8.8) and punctuality (8.3).

Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport scored 8.26 overall, with an 8.1 rating for on-time performance, 8.5 for customer opinion, and 8.4 for food and shopping. Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport posted a strong 8.22, supported by steady marks in punctuality (8.0), customer opinion (8.7), and amenities (8.4). Medina’s Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport followed closely with 8.21, excelling in customer opinion (9.2) and food and shopping (8.8).

These rankings highlight the consistent quality and service excellence across the Gulf’s major airports, reflecting broader regional ambitions in aviation.

Best airports by flight volume

The rankings also recognize the top airports based on annual flight volumes:

• Over 250,000 flights per year: Doha Hamad International Airport tops the list, earning an 8.52 rating. Known for its cutting-edge facilities and luxury services, it serves as a global benchmark in passenger experience.
• 125,000 to 250,000 flights: Panama City’s Tocumen Airport in Panama scored 8.42, reflecting its status as a key Latin American hub with efficient connections and solid service quality.
• 65,000 to 125,000 flights: Cape Town International Airport in South Africa leads this category with 8.57, praised for cleanliness, easy navigation, and traveler satisfaction.
• Under 65,000 flights: Durban’s King Shaka International Airport ranks highly with 8.40, recognized for modern infrastructure and smooth operations.

Each airport shines within its size category, delivering tailored services that meet the demands of their respective passenger volumes. 

Top airports by region

The global best airports by region demonstrate distinct strengths:

• Africa: Cape Town International Airport leads with 8.57.
• Asia: Nagoya Chubu Airport tops the list with an 8.16 rating.
• Europe: Bergen Flesland Airport stands out at 8.27.
• Middle East: Doha Hamad International Airport impresses with 8.52.
• North America: Panama City Tocumen Airport earns an 8.42.
• Oceania: Gold Coast Airport leads with 7.86.
• South America: Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek Airport is recognized as the top airport, though its exact score was not specified.