Istanbul Airport has once again been named the world’s best international airport by readers of the U.S.-based travel magazine Travel and Leisure on Thursday.
The recognition comes as part of the magazine’s annual global survey, which asks readers to evaluate airports based on criteria such as accessibility, check-in experience, security procedures, dining and shopping options, and architectural design.
The award was presented in New York, where Travel and Leisure is headquartered. Jacqueline Gifford, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, handed the trophy to Gokhan Sengul, corporate communications director at IGA, the Istanbul Airport's operator, during the ceremony.
Sengul emphasized that international acknowledgment of Istanbul Airport’s service quality—beyond technical performance—also reflects the appreciation of Türkiye’s cultural hospitality. He stated that the recognition contributes not only to IGA’s reputation but also to the international profile of Istanbul and Türkiye’s cultural heritage.
Istanbul Airport first appeared in the Travel and Leisure rankings in 2021, becoming the first airport in Türkiye to do so. It has since maintained a strong presence, topping the list for the second year in a row.
Other airports listed in this year’s “Top 10 International Airports” include:
Travel and Leisure reaches more than 16 million readers monthly, making the award one of the most widely recognized honors in the global travel industry.