It’s 4 AM. You’re bleary-eyed, clutching your suitcase, and running on three hours of sleep. You can barely find your boarding pass, and your coffee breath could wake the dead. You expect a weary sigh from airport staff—but instead, you’re greeted by a warm smile and genuine assistance that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a parallel universe where customer service still reigns supreme.

Welcome to the Skytrax Awards for Best Airport Staff, where friendliness isn’t just a checkbox on a training form—it’s a deeply practiced craft. Every year, Skytrax honors the airports where staff go above and beyond, blending speed and efficiency with sincere human care.

Here are the top 10 airports in 2025 where service isn’t just professional—it’s personal:

1. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea

Topping the list, Incheon’s staff are celebrated for their kindness and attentiveness. With a focus on emotional intelligence and multilingual support, their cultural ambassadors are always ready to assist, making travelers feel truly welcome.

2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore

Changi’s team is known worldwide for balancing flawless operations with heartfelt empathy. Whether it’s helping before you even ask or calming nerves during delays, their commitment to comfort is unmatched.

3. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong

HKG staff excel in bridging cultures with multilingual skills and sharp intuition. Their proactive support ensures no traveler feels lost—even when language fails.

4. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan

At Haneda, staff live out the Japanese ethos of omotenashi—anticipating and fulfilling needs with grace. Their quiet attentiveness ensures every guest feels seen and supported.

5. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan

Narita offers a gentle blend of efficiency and courtesy. Whether offering guidance or cultural tips, their team is patient, precise, and proud to share the spirit of Japan.

6. Centrair Nagoya International Airport (NGO), Japan

Centrair’s staff are known for building warm, human connections. From cheerful chats to seamless security processes, they ensure a positive impression from start to finish.

7. Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), China

Friendly and approachable, Haikou staff reflect the relaxed atmosphere of Hainan Island. Always ready with local advice and multilingual help, they make every traveler feel like a guest.

8. Vienna International Airport (VIE), Austria

At Vienna, staff combine clockwork efficiency with Central European warmth. Their clear communication and polished service keep things moving—and make travelers feel truly cared for.

9. Munich Airport (MUC), Germany

With typical Bavarian hospitality, Munich’s staff turn even travel troubles into pleasant exchanges. Their friendliness shines, whether they’re solving problems or guiding you through security.

10. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy

In Rome, staff bring the heart of Italy to the airport. Passionate and personable, they go out of their way to make travelers feel at home—with a warm “benvenuto” and maybe a few local tips.

The Bottom Line:

In a travel world dominated by kiosks and automation, these airports remind us that true hospitality is timeless. The smiles, the helpfulness, the calm in chaos—it’s the human touch that transforms a journey from stressful to soulful. So, when you find yourself at one of these airports, take a moment to thank the people who make your travel experience not just smooth—but unforgettable.

Several major European low-cost airlines are set to introduce a new type of seating called "standing seats" or "Skyrider 2.0" starting in 2026, aiming to offer ultra-low fares on short-haul flights under two hours.

This innovative seating concept, designed by the Italian company Aviointeriors, features saddle-style seats that allow passengers to lean at a 45-degree angle, supported by their legs and core muscles rather than fully sitting down.

The Skyrider 2.0 seats resemble padded bicycle saddles anchored to the floor and ceiling, equipped with seatbelts for safety. Each seat reduces legroom by nearly 50% and weighs about half as much as a standard economy seat, helping airlines save on fuel consumption and maintenance costs while increasing cabin capacity by up to 20%.

 This space-saving design could significantly reduce turnaround times and allow airlines to offer tickets priced as low as €1–€5, making air travel more accessible to budget-conscious passengers.

While the seats have passed all required safety and crashworthiness tests, including rapid-exit drills, final regulatory approval is pending, and their use is expected to be limited to flights lasting less than 90 minutes to two hours.

Public reaction is mixed: some travelers welcome the prospect of cheaper flights, while others express concerns about comfort and dignity, comparing the experience to standing on a crowded train.

If successful in Europe, this seating innovation could influence airlines in other regions such as the US, South America, and Asia to adopt similar models, potentially redefining budget air travel worldwide.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh achieved the highest on-time departure rate among Saudi Arabia’s international airports in April 2025, recording an impressive 90% punctuality rate, according to the latest data released by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The monthly report highlighted that King Khalid International Airport outperformed other major airports in the Kingdom, including Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, which recorded a 78% on-time rate for airports handling over 15 million passengers annually.

Riyadh’s airport’s strong performance reflects ongoing efforts under Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading regional air transit hub.

The report also showcased top performers across various passenger volume categories. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam led airports serving between 5 and 15 million passengers annually with an 87% punctuality rate, while Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah recorded 72%.

 Among airports handling between 2 and 5 million passengers, Abha International Airport topped the list with a 91% on-time departure rate, followed closely by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan at 90%, and Tabuk Airport at 82%.

For smaller airports accommodating fewer than 2 million passengers annually, NEOM Bay International Airport achieved an outstanding 95% on-time rate. Al-Ahsa International Airport and Najran Airport also performed well, with punctuality rates of 93% and 89%, respectively.

Domestic flight hubs showed exceptional results, with Turaif and Wadi Al-Dawasir airports achieving perfect 100% on-time departures. King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha followed closely with 99%, and Bisha Airport posted 94%.

At the airline level, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia reported an 89% on-time rate for both arrivals and departures. Flynas achieved 86% for arrivals and 91% for departures, while flyadeal recorded 87% and 91%, respectively.

The report also highlighted punctuality on key flight routes. Domestically, the Riyadh–Abha, Riyadh–Tabuk, and Riyadh–Dammam routes all maintained a strong 96% on-time departure rate, with the Jizan–Riyadh route sustaining 95%.

Internationally, the Riyadh–Amman route led with a 97% punctuality rate, followed by Riyadh–Bahrain at 94%, Riyadh–Dubai at 93%, Riyadh–Kuwait at 92%, and the Jeddah–Amman route at 94%.

These results underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure and operational efficiency as part of its Vision 2030 goals, positioning the Kingdom as a pivotal air transit hub in the region.

 The data, compiled by Matarat Holding Co., excludes canceled flights and measures performance based on flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times.

 

IndiGo is set to significantly expand its international network by launching direct flights to 10 new overseas destinations in FY26, including London and Athens. This move will increase the airline's global reach from 40 to 50 international destinations within a year.

The expansion includes new routes to Amsterdam (Netherlands), Manchester (UK), Copenhagen (Denmark), Siem Reap (Cambodia), and four destinations in Central Asia.

IndiGo will begin direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam in July, utilizing leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The Manchester route will mark IndiGo’s entry into long-haul operations.

According to CEO Pieter Elbers, there is a "tremendous opportunity in Indian aviation, where surging demand is being matched by rapid infrastructure growth". The airline is targeting over 100 new routes for FY26, connecting 40 international destinations and 20 Indian cities.

IndiGo, with annual revenues of $10 billion, currently operates over 2,300 daily flights to more than 90 domestic and 40 international destinations with a fleet of over 430 aircraft.

Elbers noted that 90% of India’s population now lives within reach of an airport connected by IndiGo, highlighting the airline’s growing footprint.

IndiGo is closely monitoring aviation diplomacy and bilateral agreements to adjust its strategies accordingly. The airline welcomes over 1 million customers every three days and prides itself on its diverse workforce, including a significant number of female pilots and a strong LGBTQ+ community.

Royal Jordanian Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, leased from global lessor Avolon, as part of a significant fleet renewal program that will see 20 A320neo Family aircraft join its fleet in the coming years.

The newly delivered A320neo features a 180-seat all-economy configuration, optimized for passenger comfort and operational efficiency on regional routes. Future aircraft deliveries will include diverse cabin layouts ranging from all-economy to premium configurations, including lie-flat beds on the A321neo variant.

This delivery reinforces the longstanding partnership between Royal Jordanian and Airbus while supporting the airline’s goals of enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions.

Passengers will benefit from the Airbus Airspace cabin, which offers advanced full-cabin lighting and larger overhead XL storage bins for an improved travel experience.

The A320neo fleet will serve Royal Jordanian’s key markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, providing versatility for both short regional flights and premium long-haul journeys.

The airline aims to expand its fleet from 24 to 41 aircraft by 2028, strengthening Amman’s position as a leading transit hub in the region.

The Airbus A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family, known for its advanced aerodynamics, new-generation engines, and enhanced cabin features that deliver superior efficiency, comfort, and operational flexibility.

Quotes from leadership highlight the significance of this milestone: Samer Majali, Royal Jordanian’s Vice Chairman and CEO, emphasized the aircraft’s role in modernizing the fleet and promoting Jordan as a destination of choice, while Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Avolon, expressed pride in supporting the airline’s growth plans.

This delivery marks the first of eight A320neos to be handed over by Avolon to Royal Jordanian over the next year, underscoring the airline’s commitment to fleet modernization and environmental sustainability.

 

Air India, owned by the Tata Group, is reportedly in negotiations with Airbus and Boeing for a substantial new aircraft order, potentially encompassing around 200 additional single-aisle planes . This move supplements a significant agreement made in 2023 as the airline progresses with its multi-billion-dollar modernization, according to industry sources .

Sources suggest the discussions could involve hundreds of aircraft across various sizes, expanding on previous talks regarding an additional order of large wide-body jets .

Air India, Airbus, and Boeing have not released any comments regarding the matter .

The potential order from India's national airline emerged as airline executives gathered in New Delhi for an industry summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak .

In 2023, Air India made headlines by placing an order for 470 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, along with another 100 Airbus jets last year .

These potential back-to-back orders occur when manufacturers face supply chain issues, causing delays in aircraft deliveries and a looming jet shortage .

Securing new planes is crucial for Air India, which has faced under-investment during government ownership and is now implementing a modernization plan to regain market share . While the exact number of narrow-body jets in this new order is uncertain, estimates suggest it could be in the hundreds . One source indicated a provisional total of 200 narrow-body aircraft .