The best airports in the world – according to Oaklands Global.g Director of Oaklands Global



22nd May 2019

There are several surveys out there already which have looked at what makes an airport more than just a transport hub. They often consider factors such as size, passenger capacity, levels of luxury and architectural design. Many pilots and cabin crew may also have their own favourites for more personal reasons.

We’re putting our perspective on things. Here, we reveal the top five international airports in the opinion of the Oaklands Global team.

Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

This airport played a huge role in expanding Japan’s tourism-oriented offering. Traditionally, Haneda Airport handled domestic flights with Narita Airport, 50 miles east of Tokyo. But this changed in 2010 when Haneda opened an international terminal which now regularly runs flights to Europe, America and throughout Asia. Sushi, anyone?

Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar.

The architecture of this seriously impressive airport makes it worthy of a position on our top five list. The beauty continues inside too as it provides some of the ultimate luxury elements which many travellers could only dream of. Opening in 2014, it offers a Vitality pool with a Jacuzzi overlooking the runway, high-end showers with spa toiletries or, if you have time in between flights, a free tour of the city. Or, admire the surroundings from one of the many bars and restaurants, such as the gold-plated coffee bar.

Munich Airport in Germany.

There’s always a pretty reasonable selection of places to eat and drink at larger airports. However, Munich caters for every possible taste in both food and fashion with 50 places to dine and around 150 places to indulge in retail therapy. This is much more than most and it will definitely help time to fly before you do.

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

We’re all used to grabbing some food and browsing the duty free before take-off. However, Amsterdam offers travellers the opportunity to visit a library and snuggle up with a good book before heading to the departure gate. Opening in 2010, it was the world’s first permanent airport library with 1,200 books translated into 29 languages. There are also e-books and music which can be downloaded to take with you, free of charge.

Changi Airport in Singapore.

This beauty often scores highly with travellers and experts alike – it has consecutively been the Skytrax World’s Best Airport since 2013 and recently took the title again for 2019. This sits alongside over 590 other awards it has received. From a range of interactive children’s attractions to Singapore’s largest hedge maze and the Rain Vortex, which is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, it is a complete holiday in itself.

Want to experience some of the world’s most amazing airports for yourself? Consider a career in aviation or taking your current role to new heights – browse our latest vacancies here.

by William Finden

William Finden is the Founder and MD of Oaklands Global. He is a seasoned executive search and recruitment specialist with over 16 years of experience, dedicated to the international aviation & aerospace markets. William leads Oaklands Global’s C-Suite practice and has had a successful career delivering at the executive level for a diverse portfolio of clientele including Business Jet Operators, OEM’s, MRO’s, FBO’s Airlines and Rotary businesses. To learn more about how William can assist with your next career move or to discuss your next director level hire please contact him by email: william.finden@oaklandsglobal.com

Featured Posts

In an age of change and constant innovation, we believe in sharing ideas and discussing a variety of trending topics around recruitment, aviation, aerospace & defence and investment banking. Please peruse our library of blogs and articles below

  • Bridging the Gap: Combating Middle Management Burnout Aviation Amidst the Skills Shortage

    27th November 2023

    In the dynamic and highly specialized field of aviation, middle management plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe and efficient operations. However, the industry is grappling with a skills shortage that is placing immense pressure on middle managers. This blog is aimed at aviation professionals at the director level and explores the critical issue of middle management burnout due to the scarcity of skilled candidates in the aviation industry.

  • Attracting quality applicants to your business

    14th July 2023

    Before we get ahead of ourselves, and you read this blog thinking what the heck is this guy talking about. Let me ask you a quick question. Has your business seen an increase or decrease in the quality or overall volume of candidates applying to job adverts over the last 12 months?

  • Is aviation finding it's mojo again?

    3rd April 2023

    Three years on from the start of the first UK lockdown and the end of the first quarter of 2023 seemed like a good time to reflect on the current state of the aviation industry and see if we can now confidently look to the future.