The Best and Worst Airports in Europe: 2024 Guide

It’s peak travelling season in Europe, which puts airports in the spotlight: While some of them are praised for their excellent service, clean facilities and efficient handling, others struggle with negative reviews due to long waiting times, inadequate facilities and unfriendly staff.

To help travellers anticipate and plan their trips as effectively as possible, Holidu, the booking portal for holiday rentals, has analysed data from Google Maps to draw up a ranking of the best and worst airports in Europe for the year 2024. Based on thousands of comments and ratings, the guide indicates which airports offer exceptional experiences, as well as those that need to be improved. From the efficiency of the Nordic airports to the frequent delays at the central Mediterranean airports, this guide provides valuable information for travellers looking to optimise their transit time.

Discover the full ranking: https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/the-european-airport-index

The best airports in Europe in 2024

Discover the full list: https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/the-european-airport-index

1. Istanbul Airport

• Google Maps rating: 4.4/5
• Number of reviews: 101,956

For the second year running, Istanbul Airport has risen to the top of the list of Europe’s best airports, according to Google reviews. With an impressive score of 4.4, based on 101,956 reviews, it continues to win the admiration of travellers from all over the world. Istanbul Airport thus confirms its leading position, combining efficiency, comfort and quality services. A remarkable achievement that underlines the excellence of Turkey’s infrastructure, a source of national and international pride.

2. Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport | Porto, Portugal

• Google Maps rating: 4.4/5
• Number of reviews: 26,608

In a remarkable development, Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport has moved up a notch to become the second-best airport in Europe, according to Google reviews. With an impressive 4.4 rating on Google Maps and more than 26,608 reviews, the airport has seen a significant improvement on the previous year. This is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the airport’s continued commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Congratulations to the team at Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport for this well-deserved recognition!

3. Athens International Airport

• Google Maps rating: 4.3/5
• Number of reviews: 42,920

Athens International Airport has taken third place in the ranking of Europe’s best airports, according to Google reviews. With a rating of 4.3 on Google Maps, based on 42,920 reviews, the airport continues to shine in the travel sector. Despite a slight drop from first place in 2022 and second place in 2023, Athens’ performance remains outstanding. This achievement confirms the airport’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional travelling experience for its passengers.

4. Václav Havel Airport | Prague, Czech Republic

• Google Maps rating: 4.3/5
• Number of reviews: 26,441

Prague Airport is the fourth best-rated airport in Europe. It offers a wide range of services and facilities for customers, such as shopping facilities, restaurants, showers, rest areas, workplaces and family-friendly areas. Passengers also praise the high standard of cleanliness and comfort. A special feature here is the unique-covered bridge connecting Terminals 1 and 2, which makes transfers easier for passengers. It is also well-connected to the city centre and other destinations by various means of transport such as underground, bus, taxi, and hire car.

5. Zurich Airport

• Google Maps rating: 4.3/5
• Number of reviews: 26,317

Zurich is fifth in the study, with 26,317 reviews and an overall rating of 4.3 stars. But what characterises the Swiss airport? The 250-metre-long spectator terrace, for example, offers a spectacular 360-degree view. Travellers will find over 80 shops in the ‘Airside Center’, including the largest selection of Swiss chocolate at any airport in the world. The SBB railway station under the airport provides connections to Zurich’s main station in 10-minute intervals. The airport is committed to sustainability, with the aim of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.

The worst airports in Europe in 2024

1. Heraklion International Airport

• Google Maps rating: 2,6
• Number of reviews: 21,202

Heraklion International Airport has been named the worst airport in Europe, following an analysis of the comments left by users on Google Maps. With a disappointing average score of 2.6, based on more than 21,000 comments, it’s clear that travellers encountered a number of problems when using this airport. Despite its privileged location as the gateway to the island of Crete, Heraklion Airport failed to meet travellers’ expectations. However, this unflattering recognition could serve as a trigger for a major overhaul and modernisation of the airport, improving the overall experience for travellers in the future.

2. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport

• Google Maps rating: 2,8
• Number of reviews: 12,603

Bordeaux-Mérignac airport has seen a slight improvement in its ranking of the worst airports in Europe, moving from first to second place, according to Google reviews. With a score of 2.8 on Google Maps, based on 12,603 reviews, the airport seems to be making efforts to improve the quality of its services. Despite its unenviable position, this improvement is a positive sign. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is constantly working to improve its services and offer its users a more pleasant experience.

3. Manchester Airport

• Google Maps rating: 3,1
• Number of reviews: 27,202

According to the latest figures, Manchester Airport has been categorised as the third worst airport in Europe, based on Google reviews. With an average rating of 3.1 on Google Maps, based on 27,202 reviews, the British airport finds itself in a tricky position. However, it’s important to note that every experience is subjective. Despite this rating, thousands of passengers use the airport every day to travel all over the world, demonstrating its continued functionality.