Incheon Airport is world’s ‘friendliest’ airport: Survey

MONTREAL — The friendliest airport staff in the world can be found at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, according to the results of a new survey.

Compiled by the Airports Council International (ACI) based in Montreal, the 2016 Airport Quality Service Awards asked travellers to rate their airport experience across 34 criteria, from airport access, check-in, security screening, restrooms, stores.

In the category of biggest airport hubs around the world — those that see more than 40 million passengers pass through their halls — the most civilised airport experience can be found at Incheon International, a major hub that repeatedly tops world’s best airport awards.

“These airports have dedicated themselves to delivering a stellar customer experience. Promoting a culture of continuous service improvement has become a matter of gaining competitive advantage and optimising non-aeronautical revenue performance,” said ACI World director general Angela Gittens in a statement.

For the survey, passengers are questioned at the airport, on the day of their arrival.

The awards are presented to the airports that score the highest ratings over the course of a year.

Interestingly, the top three spots are occupied by airports in Asia and Southeast Asia, with Delhi, Mumbai and Singapore’s Changi Airport tying for second place.

Beijing Capital International Airport rounds out the third spot.

This year’s edition of the Airport Quality Service Awards marked the group’s 10th annual report. AFP

Here’s a breakdown of regional winners:

Best airport in Africa: Mauritius Airport

Asia-Pacific: Seoul Incheon International Airport

Europe: Sochi International Airport

Middle East: Abu Dhabi International Airport

North America, Tie: Indianapolis International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, Billy Bishop Airport (Toronto, Canada)

Latin America: Guayaquil Airport (Ecuador)