Airport design and development have come a long way in the last century, expanding and evolving to meet the rapidly growing demands of global travel whilst continually improving the overall passenger experience. This is evident in the user-centric design seen in modern airports, making it clear that these global travel hubs have been designed with the passenger in mind. This means spacious terminals, clear signage, and plentiful shopping and dining options, all of which make the overall travel experience much more enjoyable.
It is no surprise that passengers are a priority when it comes to airport design, as passenger volume is pivotal to the success of an airport. A consistently high passenger volume is what leads to airport expansion and an increase in destinations as well as high investment in sustainability in the form of energy-efficiency and solar-powered terminals.
Below we uncover some of the biggest and best airports in Europe, leading the way with their popularity and innovation.
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), Germany
In terms of physical size, Frankfurt Airport in Germany ranks fourth in Europe, with a surface area of 23 km2, despite having just two terminals. As well as being one of Europe’s biggest it is also one of the continent's busiest airports, boasting almost 60 million travellers in 2023, a ten million increase from the 48 million that passed through in 2022. The airport’s growing popularity can be attributed to a number of things, including the ability for passengers to take direct flights to 290 locations across 92 separate countries, this is more than even the most popular airport in the continent, London Heathrow.
The airport also gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy extensive duty-free shopping and dining in both of its spacious terminals. Cultural experiences are also on offer in the form of art exhibits, observation decks, and airport tours providing the perfect entertainment for travellers with long layovers.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
With an impressive 62 million travellers in 2023, Amsterdam Schiphol is another of Europe’s biggest and best airports. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport boasts almost 300 global destinations including Curacao, Doha in Qatar, and Cape Town in South Africa. AMS has a surface area of 28 km2 spread across three connected departure halls. This single-terminal setup is incredibly streamlined, enabling easy transfers with short walking distances which makes navigation simpler and layovers much more convenient.
The amenities available are extensive and include high-quality dining options like the Bubbles Seafood and Wine Bar which offers Dutch delicacies like smoked salmon and oysters or HMSHost’s Kebaya which serves a fusion of different Asian cuisines. There is also an abundance of duty-free shopping choices, grocery stores, and even a library. Travellers can also enjoy spa services and an on-site hotel. A unique feature of Amsterdam Schiphol is the annex of the Rijksmuseum which allows travellers to view famous Dutch art exhibits while they are in transit.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France
Boasting 87 million travellers in 2023, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) stands as one of the most popular airports in all of Europe. It connects travellers to nearly 300 global destinations as a primary gateway to the wider world. CDG spans an impressive 32 square kilometres and is organised into three terminals connected by shuttles, with Terminal 2 further subdivided into multiple halls.
The amenities at Charles de Gaulle are extensive, reflecting the Parisian emphasis on luxury and convenience. For dining, visitors can enjoy high-end restaurants like I Love Paris by Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin, which serves refined French cuisine in a relaxed setting. CDG is also renowned for its duty-free shopping, featuring premium brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, as well as a gourmet food market full of French delicacies like cheese, wine, and pastries. Additional amenities include on-site spa services, where travellers can unwind with massages and beauty treatments, and the YOTELAir hotel, perfect for those in need of rest during long layovers.
Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey
In 2023, Istanbul Airport had an impressive 90 million passengers, making it one of Europe’s busiest and most advanced airports. As a major global hub, Istanbul Airport connects travellers to over 300 destinations worldwide, including cities like Sydney, Tokyo, and Los Angeles, and it is continually adding places to this extensive list. Spanning a remarkable 76.5 square kilometres with a single terminal design, Istanbul Airport maximises convenience with this streamlined layout making it easier for passengers to find their way to connecting flights without having to walk too far.
Istanbul Airport boasts a vast selection of amenities, starting with world-class dining options that reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage and international tastes. For travellers seeking relaxation over shopping and dining, the airport offers exceptional spa services at the IGA Lounge, where passengers can enjoy massages, saunas, and personal care treatments. Another unique innovation at Istanbul Airport is the IGA Sleepod rest area which provides comfortable pods for sleeping that are both private and relaxing.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Great Britain
London Heathrow Airport, serving over 80 million passengers annually, is not only the UK’s largest airport but also one of the most innovative in Europe. Known for connecting London to over 200 destinations worldwide, Heathrow is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, making it a model for the future of global travel. With its four terminals, each offering unique experiences, and two active runways, Heathrow continues to set the standard in passenger satisfaction and airport efficiency.
Heathrow has invested quite significantly in digital technology to create a smooth, efficient journey for its passengers. The Heathrow App is a feature that stands out as it allows travellers to manage their airport experience and provides live flight information. Each of Heathrow’s four terminals boasts many dining and shopping options, with terminal 5 providing private lounge pods to exclusive customers, each equipped with their own seating, entertainment, and food delivery service.
Europe’s largest and most popular airports set the standard for innovation, efficiency, and passenger experience on a global scale. From the pioneering technology of Heathrow to the cultural immersion of Istanbul Airport, each of these aviation hubs puts its own personal touch on excellent global travel.
