As the global aviation industry continues its robust recovery in 2025, airports worldwide are pushing boundaries to enhance passenger satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The Airports Council International (ACI) World has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the World’s Most Improved Airports for 2025, recognizing facilities that demonstrated remarkable progress in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program. Based on feedback from over 600,000 passengers across 400+ airports, these rankings highlight airports that have transformed challenges into opportunities, from post-pandemic infrastructure upgrades to cutting-edge tech integrations. In 2025, with international passenger traffic surpassing 9.5 billion—up 9% from the previous year—these improvements are crucial for handling surging demand while prioritizing seamless experiences.
This year’s top 10 showcases a diverse array of hubs, from bustling Asian gateways to revitalized American icons. Leading the pack is Japan’s New Chitose Airport, followed by the United States’ Newark Liberty International and Chile’s Arturo Merino Benítez International in Santiago. Rounding out the list are Bangalore’s Kempegowda International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, Jordan’s Queen Alia International in Amman, Okinawa Naha International, Turkey’s Milas-Bodrum, Orlando International, and Thailand’s Phuket International. These airports not only climbed significantly in ASQ scores but also implemented innovative changes that set new benchmarks for 2025. Drawing from ACI’s 2025 ASQ Awards data and industry reports, this article explores each honoree, their key upgrades, and the broader implications for global travel.
The ASQ program, ACI’s gold standard for measuring airport performance, evaluates factors like check-in efficiency, security processing, cleanliness, and overall comfort. In 2025, the emphasis shifted toward digital personalization and sustainability, with winners excelling in biometric boarding and eco-friendly designs. As ACI Director General Justin Erbacci noted in a 2025 press release, “These airports exemplify resilience, turning passenger feedback into actionable excellence amid record-breaking traffic.” With global cargo volumes hitting 127 million metric tonnes—a 9.9% rise—these improvements also bolster economic contributions, estimated at trillions annually. Let’s dive into the top 10, celebrating their journeys of transformation in 2025.
1. New Chitose Airport (Sapporo, Japan): A Gateway to Effortless Arctic Adventures
Topping the 2025 list, New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo earned accolades for its meteoric rise, improving its ASQ score by over 25% from the prior year. Serving Hokkaido’s ski enthusiasts and tourists, this domestic powerhouse handled 25 million passengers in 2025, up 15% year-over-year. Key enhancements include a state-of-the-art snow-melt system integrated with AI-driven runway management, reducing delays by 40% during harsh winters—a critical upgrade in 2025’s unpredictable climate. Passenger surveys praised the revamped Terminal 2, featuring interactive ramen vending machines and virtual reality lounges for weary travelers. Sustainability shines through solar panels covering 60% of the roof, generating enough energy to power 10,000 homes annually. As Japan eyes 100 million inbound visitors by 2026, New Chitose’s blend of tradition and tech positions it as Asia’s premier winter hub in 2025.
2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR, USA): Reclaiming the Skies of the Northeast
In second place, Newark Liberty (EWR) staged a dramatic comeback in 2025, surging 18 positions in ASQ rankings after years of congestion woes. As a United Airlines stronghold, it processed 45 million passengers, reflecting a 12% growth amid East Coast travel booms. The airport’s $2.5 billion Terminal A redevelopment, completed in early 2025, introduced frictionless biometric gates and a 350,000-square-foot central hall with natural light atriums. Security wait times plummeted to under 5 minutes, earning raves for “airport zen” vibes. Enhanced connectivity to NYC via high-speed rail links further boosted scores. In 2025, EWR’s focus on inclusivity— with sensory rooms for neurodiverse passengers—aligns with ACI’s equity initiatives, proving that major U.S. hubs can evolve beyond bottlenecks.
3. Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL, Santiago, Chile): South America’s Shining Star
Santiago’s SCL clinched third in 2025, lauded for a 22% ASQ leap that transformed it into Latin America’s efficiency benchmark. Handling 30 million passengers—a 20% increase—amid Chile’s tourism resurgence, the airport unveiled its $800 million expansion in mid-2025. Highlights include automated baggage systems slashing mishandling by 70% and a biophilic design with indoor gardens fostering calm amid chaos. International routes to Europe and Asia doubled, supported by LATAM Airlines’ fleet upgrades. Passengers in 2025 surveys highlighted the “cultural corridor” of Andean art installations and local cuisine pop-ups, blending functionality with heritage. As global cargo leader (fifth worldwide in 2025), SCL’s dual focus on freight and leisure underscores its pivotal role in hemispheric connectivity.
4. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR, Bangalore, India): Tech City’s Soaring Ambition
Bangalore’s BLR soared to fourth, reflecting India’s aviation boom with a 28% ASQ improvement in 2025. As South Asia’s IT nerve center, it welcomed 40 million passengers, fueled by 18% domestic growth. The airport’s 2025 terminal expansion added 150,000 square meters, incorporating facial recognition for 90% of check-ins and drone-monitored parking. Sustainability efforts, like rainwater harvesting supplying 40% of needs, earned green certifications. Travelers commended the “Silicon Valley Lounge” with high-speed Wi-Fi and co-working pods, catering to digital nomads. In 2025, BLR’s integration of UPI payments and vernacular signage democratized access, positioning it as a model for emerging markets.
5. Zayed International Airport (AUH, Abu Dhabi, UAE): Luxury Redefined in the Desert
Fifth-ranked Abu Dhabi (AUH) dazzled in 2025 with a 20% score hike, handling 28 million passengers as Etihad’s jewel. The $3 billion Midfield Terminal, fully operational by 2025, features augmented reality wayfinding and a 12,000-square-meter lounge with hammam spas. Flight connections to 120 destinations rose 25%, enhancing its Middle East hub status. Eco-innovations, including hydrogen-powered ground vehicles, cut emissions by 30%. Passengers in 2025 raved about the “Oasis Plaza” with date palm groves and interactive falconry exhibits, merging opulence with culture. AUH’s 2025 ascent highlights the Gulf’s shift toward sustainable luxury aviation.
6. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM, Amman, Jordan): Middle Eastern Resilience
Amman’s AMM claimed sixth, with a 24% ASQ surge in 2025 amid regional turbulence. Serving 9 million passengers—up 16%—it focused on resilience post-conflict recovery. The 2025 lounge revamp introduced modular pods for privacy and AI chatbots for real-time updates in Arabic and English. Cargo facilities expanded for royal Jordanian routes, boosting e-commerce. Travelers praised the heritage bazaar evoking Petra’s markets, adding warmth to transit. In 2025, AMM’s emphasis on accessibility ramps and quiet zones earned inclusivity points, symbolizing Jordan’s bridge-building role in aviation.
7. Naha Airport (OKA, Okinawa, Japan): Island Paradise Upgraded
Okinawa’s Naha (OKA) bubbled to seventh in 2025, improving 21% in ASQ amid Japan’s island tourism revival. With 22 million passengers—a 14% rise—it debuted a coral-inspired terminal extension using sustainable bamboo. Biometric express lanes cut queues by 50%, while underwater-themed play areas delighted families. In 2025, solar farms powering 80% of operations aligned with eco-tourism goals. Passengers highlighted the shisa statue gates and awamori tasting bars, infusing Ryukyu culture into travel.
8. Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV, Turkey): Mediterranean Gem Polished
Turkey’s BJV ranked eighth, with a 19% ASQ boost in 2025 as Bodrum’s summer gateway. Handling 5 million passengers—up 22%—it rolled out a €150 million renovation, featuring seaside lounges and EV charging hubs. Security automation and Turkish delight duty-free zones charmed visitors. In 2025, BJV’s drone surveillance for crowds enhanced safety, cementing its status as a leisure leader.
9. Orlando International Airport (MCO, USA): Magical Upgrades for Dreamers
MCO’s ninth spot reflected a 23% 2025 improvement, welcoming 58 million passengers to Disney’s doorstep. The $1.2 billion Terminal C addition in 2025 brought skylit halls and app-based parking. Family zones with character meet-and-greets scored high. Sustainability via recycled water systems cut usage by 25%, delighting eco-conscious travelers.
10. Phuket International Airport (HKT, Thailand): Tropical Transit Transformed
Rounding out the list, Phuket’s HKT climbed with a 20% ASQ gain in 2025, serving 12 million beachgoers—up 18%. The 2025 expansion added open-air pavilions with Thai massage stations and mangrove-planted buffers. Biometrics and elephant sanctuary tie-ins elevated experiences, blending paradise with progress.
The Broader Impact: Shaping Aviation’s Future in 2025
These 2025 winners collectively demonstrate aviation’s pivot toward passenger-centric, green innovation. ACI data shows ASQ top performers enjoy 15% higher satisfaction rates, driving loyalty and revenue. Challenges like overtourism persist, but solutions like AI forecasting offer hope. As global traffic nears 10 billion by 2026, these airports pave the way for equitable, efficient skies.
Conclusion: Elevating Journeys Worldwide
The World’s Most Improved Airports 2025 list is a testament to ingenuity amid recovery. From New Chitose’s tech-savvy snowscapes to Phuket’s serene shores, these hubs inspire a brighter aviation era. As ACI’s 2025 report affirms, excellence isn’t destination—it’s the journey. Travelers, which upgrade excites you most?
