When global travelers rank the world’s best international airports, mega-hubs in Asia and the Middle East often dominate. In July 2025, however, Helsinki Airport broke through – securing 7th place in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious World’s Best Awards. It was the only European airport in the top 10, honored alongside giants like Istanbul, Singapore, and Doha.
As a European, I am truly happy to see an airport from the old continent in the top. Surprised a bit that it is not one of the more famous airports in Europe, but still happy. My husband was at Helsinki Airport in the past and he had a nice experience.
ID 2653409 © Konstantin Anisko | Dreamstime.com
2025 Airport Rankings: The Global Elite
According to Travel + Leisure‘s latest survey of nearly 180,000 readers, the top three airports were:
- Istanbul Airport (98.57 score)
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Hamad International Airport (Doha)
The full top 10 included Zayed International (Abu Dhabi), Dubai International, Hong Kong International, Helsinki-Vantaa, Haneda (Tokyo), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Mumbai), and Incheon International.
This ranking demonstrates how Asia and the Middle East continue to dominate global aviation, while Helsinki’s appearance is a major win for Europe. I am curious to see how the top will look next year!
Why Helsinki Stands Out – and Why Travelers Should Care
1. Europe’s Unique Representative
Helsinki is the only European airport to crack the top-10 list, standing apart from the region’s usual mega-hubs. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport serves as Finnair’s main hub and a critical transit point between Europe and Asia. Its appearance in this elite list reinforces Finland’s rising status in the travel world.
2. Streamlined Passenger Experience
A decade-long renovation, culminating in the 2022 terminal unification, centralized check-in, security, and baggage, simplifying passenger flow.
“Helsinki Airport has received several awards for its customer experience. For many international passengers, the airport is their first contact with Finland and the Finnish character, and we are so happy that we have managed to stay in people’s minds. I would like to thank the entire airport community for this recognition – the success belongs to all of us,” says Airport Director Ulla Serlenius in a press release.
3. Innovative Amenities That Travelers Love
Let’s face it: an airport is more than a transit place. It is sometimes a place where you spend hours and hours – and there are plenty of things to do while at the airport on a layover.
At this airport, you can find (as mentioned in the same press release):
- shared-seating cafés, a second-hand café and shop, and an inviting outdoor terrace. Here, as a note, I will add that Relove Second Hand & Cafe allows you to buy luxury pre-owned items, so do not fret when you see a second-hand shop in an airport.
- Live security-wait times streamed online – seen over 100,000 times within months
- Award-winning commercial and food-court spaces: “Commercial Space of the Year 2025” and “Food Court of the Year 2024”
4. Eco-Innovation & Sustainability
A cool fact I learned: Helsinki is among Europe’s Level 5 carbon-accredited airports – the highest level for environmental performance (source).
5. Balanced Scale & Scandinavian Calm
Unlike sprawling hubs in Istanbul or Dubai, HEL offers a calmer, more efficient travel experience, combining high-tech features with Nordic serenity. This is obviously easy to understand considering the Finnish culture.
Layover Tips: How to Enjoy Helsinki Airport
For travelers stopping over or flying via HEL, here are your insider tips:
Quick Layover Highlights (2-3 Hours)
- Explore the outdoor terrace for fresh air and views.
- Grab fika (coffee and cinnamon buns) at a shared-seating café.
- Shop style-forward at the second-hand boutique or browse Nordic design at Iittala and Marimekko kiosks
- Use live security queue data to time your departure gate stroll
Dining & Lounging
- Enjoy local flavors or international cuisine in the award-winning food court.
- Relax in improved lounges or unwind at pet-friendly zones and art displays.
Overnight Comfort
Stay airside at Hilton, Scandic, or GLO Airport Hotels, perfect for short overnight rests
European Aviation: A Shift in Focus
Competing Against the Giants
European hubs like London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam are among the busiest by traffic volume, but struggle on passenger satisfaction rankings. HEL’s success underscores how smaller isn’t a handicap when travel experience is prioritized. As a European, I would love to see more airports in the top 10 based on customer satisfaction.
Conclusion: What This Means for Travelers & Brands
Helsinki Airport’s breakthrough sends a clear message: Europe can compete on traveler satisfaction – but only with focus on:
- Efficiency & design
- Tech-driven convenience
- Sustainability leadership
- Hospitality-first amenities
For travelers, this means layovers and transit flights are no longer a chore – they can be a destination experience in themselves.
