The Skytrax World Airport Awards for 2025 have once again highlighted the evolution of low-cost airline terminals, showcasing facilities that combine efficiency, comfort, and affordability. These terminals, designed specifically for low-cost carriers, have transformed the budget travel experience, offering passengers a blend of modern amenities and streamlined operations. Based on feedback from over 13 million travelers across more than 100 countries between August 2024 and February 2025, the Skytrax rankings reveal the top 10 low-cost airline terminals for 2025. This article explores these terminals, their unique features, and their impact on redefining affordable travel in 2025.
1. Paris Charles de Gaulle Terminal 3 (CDG T3) – France
Topping the list for 2025, Paris Charles de Gaulle Terminal 3 (CDG T3) is named the world’s best low-cost airline terminal. Serving as a hub for European low-cost carriers, CDG T3 combines Parisian elegance with operational efficiency. The terminal features expanded security checkpoints that keep wait times under 20 minutes, even during peak hours. Its design maximizes natural light with expansive windows, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere. Dining options range from affordable French classics like croissants to modern bistro fare, while retail spaces offer both international brands and local Parisian products. In 2025, CDG T3’s ability to balance sophistication with budget-friendly operations makes it a standout, earning praise for its seamless passenger experience.
2. Tokyo Narita Terminal 3 – Japan
Ranked second in 2025, Tokyo Narita’s Terminal 3 is a model of efficiency for low-cost travel in Asia. Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, this terminal caters to budget carriers like Jetstar Japan and Peach Aviation. Its compact layout ensures quick navigation, with check-in and security processes optimized for speed. In 2025, passengers appreciate the terminal’s clean design, ample seating, and diverse dining options, including affordable Japanese cuisine like ramen and sushi. Narita T3’s strategic location and excellent transport links to central Tokyo further enhance its appeal, making it a top choice for travelers in 2025.
3. Centrair Nagoya Terminal 2 – Japan
Chubu Centrair International Airport’s Terminal 2 in Nagoya secures third place in 2025, offering a modern and efficient experience for low-cost travelers. Opened to accommodate budget carriers, T2 features a bright, open design with intuitive signage and fast-processing facilities. In 2025, passengers enjoy a variety of affordable dining options, from local Nagoya specialties to international fast food. The terminal’s proximity to Nagoya’s city center and its focus on passenger comfort, including free Wi-Fi and ample charging stations, make it a favorite among budget travelers in 2025.
4. Eindhoven Airport – Netherlands
Eindhoven Airport, ranked fourth globally in 2025, is a standout in Europe for its compact yet highly functional terminal dedicated to low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. In 2025, the terminal’s streamlined operations ensure quick check-in and security processes, with wait times rarely exceeding 15 minutes. Its modern design includes comfortable seating areas and a selection of affordable dining options. Eindhoven’s accessibility via public transport and its focus on passenger convenience make it a top low-cost terminal in 2025, particularly for travelers in the Benelux region.
5. Kansai International Terminal 2 – Japan
Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 2, ranked fifth in 2025, is a key hub for low-cost carriers like Peach Aviation. Known for its minimalist yet efficient design, the terminal offers fast check-in and security processes, catering to the needs of budget travelers. In 2025, passengers praise its clean facilities, affordable dining options, and convenient transport links to Osaka and Kyoto. The terminal’s focus on operational efficiency and passenger comfort solidifies its position as one of the world’s best low-cost terminals in 2025.
6. Melbourne Airport Terminal 4 – Australia
Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 4 ranks sixth in 2025, serving as a hub for low-cost carriers like Jetstar and Tigerair Australia. The terminal’s modern design includes self-service check-in kiosks and automated baggage systems, reducing wait times significantly. In 2025, travelers enjoy a range of budget-friendly dining and shopping options, from local Australian eateries to international chains. T4’s efficient layout and strong transport connections to Melbourne’s city center make it a top choice for budget travelers in 2025.
7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) – Malaysia
KLIA2, ranked seventh in 2025, is a major hub for low-cost carriers like AirAsia. Spanning 257,000 square meters, this terminal combines a shopping complex with extensive dining and passenger amenities. In 2025, KLIA2’s efficient security processes and wide range of affordable retail and dining options, including local Malaysian cuisine, enhance the traveler experience. Its connectivity to Kuala Lumpur via high-speed rail further boosts its appeal, making it a standout low-cost terminal in 2025.
8. Marseille Provence Terminal MP2 – France
Marseille Provence’s Terminal MP2 secures eighth place in 2025, catering exclusively to low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Volotea. Designed for efficiency, MP2 offers quick check-in and security processes, with a focus on affordability. In 2025, passengers appreciate the terminal’s clean, modern facilities and budget-friendly dining options, which include Provençal specialties. Its proximity to Marseille’s vibrant city center and the French Riviera makes MP2 a key gateway for budget travelers in 2025.
9. London Stansted Airport – United Kingdom
London Stansted, ranked ninth in 2025, is a major hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet. The terminal’s modern facilities include automated check-in systems and a wide range of dining and shopping options tailored to budget travelers. In 2025, Stansted’s efficient operations and excellent transport links to central London via the Stansted Express make it a top choice for cost-conscious travelers. Its recognition in the Skytrax rankings reflects its commitment to enhancing the low-cost travel experience in 2025.
10. Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport – Thailand
Rounding out the top 10 in 2025, Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport serves as a key hub for low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia and Nok Air. The terminal, split into Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights, is connected by a glass-enclosed elevated walkway. In 2025, passengers praise its affordable dining options, including Thai street food, and its efficient check-in and security processes. Don Mueang’s climb from 10th in 2024 to 8th in 2025 highlights its ongoing improvements in passenger comfort and service quality.
The Evolution of Low-Cost Terminals in 2025
The 2025 Skytrax rankings demonstrate that low-cost airline terminals are no longer synonymous with cramped, bare-bones facilities. These terminals have evolved to offer modern designs, efficient operations, and affordable amenities that rival full-service airports. From Paris CDG T3’s elegant design to Don Mueang’s vibrant Thai hospitality, these terminals cater to the needs of budget travelers while maintaining high standards of comfort and convenience. The focus on streamlined processes, such as automated check-in and fast security, ensures that passengers can move quickly through these facilities, saving both time and money in 2025.
Impact on Budget Travel in 2025
The rise of high-quality low-cost terminals in 2025 reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry: budget travel no longer means sacrificing comfort or dignity. These terminals cater to the growing demand for affordable yet enjoyable travel experiences, driven by the popularity of low-cost carriers like AirAsia, Ryanair, and Jetstar. By offering efficient operations, affordable dining, and modern amenities, these terminals enhance the accessibility of air travel, making global exploration more feasible for millions of passengers in 2025.
Conclusion
The Skytrax World Airport Awards for 2025 highlight the remarkable transformation of low-cost airline terminals, with facilities like Paris CDG T3, Tokyo Narita T3, and Centrair Nagoya T2 leading the way. These terminals prove that budget travel can be both efficient and enjoyable, offering passengers a premium experience without the premium price tag. As low-cost carriers continue to dominate the aviation market, these top-ranked terminals will play a crucial role in shaping the future of affordable travel in 2025 and beyond.
