B-G Airport makes world top-10 list

With close to 18 million passengers passing through its terminals last year, 2016 was Ben-Gurion Airport’s busiest year to date. For 2017, it was also – according to Travel + Leisure readers – the world’s eighth-best airport. The popular travel magazine asked readers to share their views on the world’s top airports, based on their experiences of access, check-in, security, food, shopping and design.

The 10 leading airports, revealed on Wednesday, will be featured in the publication’s annual World’s Best Awards issue. It was Singapore’s Changi Airport that again took the title, finishing first for a fifth successive year with an unbeaten score of 90/100. Travelers highlighted the airport’s outstanding facilities, which might make the airport alone worth a trip. Travelers who have spare time in Singapore can enjoy the free movie theater, napping lounges, gardens and even a rooftop pool.

Ben-Gurion Airport, rated 79/100, fell two places from its impressive 6th place ranking in 2016, and seemingly has a long way to go in order to compete with the global leader. Doha’s Hamad International Airport finished runner-up, and Dubai International Airport finished in third place. Only two European airports, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and Zurich, feature in the list.

Ben-Gurion Airport’s modern-looking Terminal 3 opened in 2004, replacing Terminal 1 as its primary international flight hub. Following four months of renovations, Terminal 1, which primarily serves low-cost airlines, reopened last month. • Eytan Halon