Europe’s Top Performing Airports for a Stress-Free Summer Travel
As millions of Europeans prepare for their summer vacations, a new study has revealed which airports are likely to offer a smooth travel experience and which may cause frustration. AirHelp, a passenger rights organization, recently released its annual global airport ranking, evaluating performance based on punctuality, passenger satisfaction, and service quality.
The results highlight that while major hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Gatwick did not perform well, several smaller European airports stood out for their reliability and customer care.
Cape Town International Airport Leads the Global Ranking
Cape Town International Airport in South Africa secured the top spot overall, scoring 8.6 for punctuality and 8.7 for customer opinion among 250 international airports from 68 countries. This achievement sets a high standard for airport performance globally.
In Europe, Bergen Flesland Airport in Norway emerged as the best-performing airport, ranking 9th globally and leading in punctuality. Other notable European airports include Bilbao Airport in Spain (16th), Bodø Airport (23rd), and Oslo Gardermoen (28th), all in Norway, as well as Reykjavik KeflavÃk in Iceland (30th).
Excellence in Customer Satisfaction and Services
Luxembourg Airport, despite ranking 130th overall, scored an impressive 9.0 for customer opinion, making it the top European airport in this category. Meanwhile, Amsterdam Schiphol ranked highest in Europe for food and drinks, with a score of 8.3.
France's best-scoring airport, Toulouse-Blagnac, ranked 101st globally. It topped the French list for the second consecutive year, receiving solid scores for punctuality and customer satisfaction. However, it scored slightly lower for shopping and dining options. In contrast, Paris Charles de Gaulle ranked 181st, suffering from frequent delays and low customer ratings. London Gatwick, at 235th, also received poor marks across all metrics.
The Worst Performing Airport in Europe
Rhodes Diagoras, a Greek island hub, was identified as Europe’s worst airport, scoring a mere 6.05, with a 5.8 for punctuality. This placed it in 249th position, just one spot above Tunis Carthage Airport, which was the world’s worst by these metrics.
How the Rankings Were Calculated
AirHelp’s methodology places 60% weight on on-time performance, measured by flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. For example, Rhodes Diagoras’ 5.8 punctuality score translates to 58% of flights running on schedule.
The remaining 40% is split evenly between passenger feedback on staff, cleanliness, and general experience, as well as services such as restaurants and retail. The data was collected from multiple vendors, cross-referenced with government agencies, airports, flight-tracking providers, and historical records. AirHelp surveyed travelers in over 58 countries, gathering more than 13,500 unique airport ratings.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
The rankings focus on airports with a significant number of international flights, using data collected between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. While delays and cancellations are often beyond an airport’s control, the highest-performing airports tend to combine operational efficiency with attentive service and clear communication.
For travelers looking to reduce stress during the summer, opting for smaller regional airports in Scandinavia may provide a smoother journey compared to the continent’s largest transport hubs. These airports demonstrate that even in challenging conditions, effective management and customer-centric approaches can significantly enhance the travel experience.
Posting Komentar