Corruption, crowds, chaos … which are the world’s worst airports?
Airports are often the gateway into a country, and some are better than others. Travel experts tell us where they’ve had some of their worst times – and some of their best
Corruption, chaos, crowds, confusion and lack of cleanliness were all factors that earned Nigeria’s Port Harcourt International Airport the current title of world’s worst airport. “Five Cs an airport definitely doesn’t want to be associated with,” says Donna McSherry, founder of Sleeping in Airports, which has held the annual survey since 1996.
Throw into the mix unfriendly staff, a lack of seating, broken air conditioning, a tent serving as the arrival hall, almost non-existent amenities and decrepit buildings, and it is little wonder it won the crown. “It ticks every box when it comes to what an airport shouldn’t do,” says Seng Hun, who has worked in the travel industry in Southeast Asia for 15 years. “It’s important airports get it right because they are generally people’s first and last impressions of a country; airports can make or break a holiday.”
As world wanderlust has grown dramatically during the last two decades, some airports have led the way in providing passengers with top class facilities to keep them entertained. However, many have failed to keep up, leaving travellers frustrated before they have even boarded the plane.
“Airports contribute strongly to the vibrancy of local communities, and in addition to ensuring travellers are safe and secure, a focus on customer service is vital if this contribution is to be maintained,” says Angela Gittens, director general of ACI (Airports Council International) World.
Common complaints
“In general, the worst airports are those that don’t have many amenities for travellers, don’t offer complimentary Wi-fi and don’t keep the restrooms clean,” says Harriet Baskas, a frequent flier and founder of StuckAtTheAirport.com.