These are the best and worst airports in Europe, according to a new analysis
These are the best and worst – At Euronews Travel, we frequently interact with airport environments, and we’ve accumulated a wealth of perspectives on various terminals across the continent. While we often have personal insights into their strengths and shortcomings, we choose to anchor our coverage in objective data for this report. Fortunately, the flight compensation service AirHelp has provided a comprehensive evaluation, offering a global ranking of airports based on a meticulous analysis of performance metrics and traveler feedback.
The Methodology Behind the Rankings
The ranking evaluates airports across three key criteria: on-time performance, passenger experience, and facilities and comfort. On-time performance is defined as flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, a metric that directly impacts the reliability of travel. Passenger experience assessments consider factors such as staff efficiency, wait times, ease of navigation, cleanliness, signage clarity, and the availability of information. Facilities and comfort encompass the quality of amenities, retail options, and dining experiences, all judged on a scale from “very bad” to “very good” by travelers in 68 countries.
For the 2026 evaluation, 279 airports from 76 countries were analyzed, each assigned an AirHelp Score. This score is calculated by weighting on-time performance at 60%, with passenger experience and facilities each contributing 20%. The data set includes nearly 14,300 unique ratings, providing a robust foundation for the rankings.
Top Performers in Europe
When it comes to Europe’s leading airports, Bodø Airport in Norway stands out as the continent’s top performer. Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Bodø achieved an impressive on-time score of 8.7, meaning 87% of flights arriving between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026 were punctual. Its passenger experience rating of 7.6 and facilities score of 7.0 further solidify its position as a standout destination for travelers.
Billund Airport in Denmark closely follows, securing the ninth spot in Europe. While its on-time performance is slightly lower at 8.1, the airport excels in passenger experience, with a score of 8.7, and facilities and comfort, rated 7.7. This balance of reliability and service highlights its appeal to a broad range of flyers.
Further down the list, Bilbao Airport in Spain ranks third in the European top ten, placing 21st overall. With an on-time score of 8.4 and passenger experience of 8.0, it demonstrates consistent reliability. However, its facilities and comfort score of 7.0 indicate room for improvement in infrastructure and amenities. The ranking continues with Bergen Flesland Airport, which is 23rd, and Istanbul Havalimani Airport, positioned at 29th, showcasing a blend of efficiency and modern facilities in the region.
Challenging Airports for Travelers
On the flip side, several airports in Europe face criticism for their performance. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, for instance, ranks 274th overall, reflecting challenges in maintaining punctuality and service standards. Its on-time score of 6.3 places it among the lowest performers, with passenger experience and facilities scores of 7.3 and 6.8, respectively. This performance underscores the need for improvements in operational efficiency and traveler satisfaction.
Rhodes Diagoras Airport, at 271st place, also struggles with on-time performance, scoring 6.5. This places it below several other European airports, though its overall ranking still indicates a significant gap in service quality. Manchester Airport and Crete Heraklion Airport follow closely, with rankings of 269th and 268th, respectively. Both airports receive on-time scores of 6.3 and 6.5, suggesting delays are a common issue. Meanwhile, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, ranked 267th, shows similar performance across the board, with on-time and experience scores of 6.3 and 6.8.
“We have ~opinions~ about plenty of them,” says Euronews Travel. “But for the pages of this website, we think it’s best to stick to the cold, hard facts.”
The rankings not only highlight which airports are excelling but also reveal areas where improvements are necessary. For travelers seeking seamless journeys, airports like Bodø and Billund offer a model of reliability and comfort. However, those flying into Lisbon, Rhodes, Manchester, Crete, or Nice may encounter more frequent delays and less-than-ideal amenities, which can significantly affect the overall travel experience.
Ultimately, the AirHelp analysis serves as a valuable resource for understanding airport performance across Europe. By combining operational data with traveler feedback, it provides a holistic view of the factors that contribute to a positive or negative experience. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, these rankings can guide both passengers and airlines in making informed decisions to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
