Hong Kong International Airport has been named “Best Airport in the World” at the Global Travel Awards 2026, announced on 1 April 2026. The award was decided by votes from 2.5 million travellers across more than 150 countries, following a nomination list of major airports from multiple regions.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been named Best Airport in the World at the Global Travel Awards 2026, with winners chosen by traveller voting. The airport beat other shortlisted hubs from Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
Airport Authority Hong Kong said the result reflects recent work to improve the passenger experience across key parts of the journey. The airport highlighted upgrades focused on smoother processing and better facilities for travellers using HKIA as both a destination gateway and a transit hub.
The Global Travel Awards are run by International Media & News Group, which said the programme recognises travel brands across categories such as airports, airlines, hotels and destinations.
For airports, the emphasis is on infrastructure and the end-to-end passenger experience, from arrival and check-in through security, immigration and boarding. HKIA was selected from a nomination list that included leading airports in Asia and the Middle East, reflecting strong competition among long-haul hubs that handle large volumes of international traffic.
In its announcement, HKIA pointed to its push for faster, more seamless processing, including automated gates and the wider use of facial-recognition systems at checkpoints. It also said it is upgrading security screening across terminal areas, including replacing traditional X-ray lanes with CT-based screening, with similar enhancements planned for the future Terminal 2 facilities.
The airport said these changes are designed to maintain strict security standards while reducing friction for passengers, especially during peak travel periods.
Header Image Credit : Hong Kong Airport