There's no doubt that the airport is one of the most exciting places to visit. If you have been lucky enough to head through the international departure gates on an overseas trip, you'll know exactly how much of a buzz the experience is. Even if you're not the one heading overseas, the raw emotion, atmosphere, and excitement of the gateway to the rest of the world is never boring.
However, some airports are a little more exciting to visit than others. Skytrax, a United Kingdom based webpage at which travellers can rate and review their experiences with airports and airlines, has recently revealed the winners of the 2014 World Airport Awards. If you're headed to one of these airports on your travels, expect a fantastic experience!
Taking top spot for the second year running was Singapore's Changi Airport. The airport was founded in 1981, and is now the sixth busiest international airport worldwide. In 2012, over 51.2 million passengers went through the airport, and it is estimated a flight leaves or arrives at Changi every 100 seconds.
In addition to taking out the supreme title, Changi Airport also won the award for Best Airport for Leisure Amenities, with a movie theatre, arcade games, children's playgrounds, nature trail, swimming pool and spa facilities all available for travellers to ease jetlag or start their trip with indulgence.
CEO of Skytrax, Edward Plaisted, stated "winning this prestigious award for the second year in a row, Changi Airport Singapore is showing itself to be much more than an airport. Changi Airport offers a travel experience in itself."
With 100 international airlines flying to around 250 cities in 60 countries and territories landing at the airport, there's a high chance Aussie travellers could get a taste of this airport for themselves on their next travel adventure.
However, Changi Airport was not the only internationally recognised airport in the World Airport Awards. Incheon International Airport came in second only to Changi, making it one of the world's most supreme.
This South Korean airport is one of the largest and busiest in the world. Travellers can accustom themselves with a little Korean culture at the Cultural Museum of Korea within the airport, or learn how to make traditional crafts and artefacts.
As an example of Incheon's modern, forward-thinking presence, a sculpture named "Flying to the Future" takes pride of place at the airport, made from thousands of stainless steel plates and an LED lighting system that uses energy from the sun to create a stunning array of lights after dark.
It seems airports within Asia are on top when it comes to service and quality, with Hong Kong International Airport, Tokyo International Airport Haneda and Beijing Capital International Airport taking 4th, 6th and 8th place respectively.
However, Munich Airport in Germany took 3rd place, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Zurich Airport, Vancouver International Airport and London Heathrow Airport also made it on the list.
