Airports aren’t exactly the first place you’d expect to find friendly people in a stress-free environment. Yet some airports actually manage to achieve this while others simply don’t. Poor facilities, a lack of organisation and rude staff are just some of the problems that many passengers have to experience. Buckle up for the 12 worst airports in the world.
12. Zurich International (Switzerland)
This particular entry may come as a surprise to some. After all, Switzerland is known for providing high quality service with great efficiency. But the biggest complaint is not of the airport building itself but its staff. Said to be rude and obnoxious, their lack of politeness is overshadowing what isn’t otherwise a bad airport.
So if you go there and meet a particularly unfriendly immigration officer, don’t take it personally.
11. Bergamo Orio al Serio (Italy)
Many complaints about this Italian airport focus on its particularly poor staff that are poor-mannered. Not only this, international travellers will struggle since the staff largely only speak Italian. A little like the city of Rome, this airport is unclean and it has even been suggested that the only way to improve it is to demolish it!
A common layover and connecting flights airport, we recommend you do your best to stay away.
10. Manila Ninoy Aquino International (Philippines)
Consistently one of the worst airports in the world year after year, it handles approximately 32 million passengers annually. Unfortunately it’s seemingly incapable of managing that number. On top of this, the air conditioning is extremely iffy which means a visit to this airport is torturous, particularly in the summer months.
One of the biggest passenger complaints is about the long delays which were only worsened during the airport’s recent renovation.
9. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (USA)
God forbid that Bill and Hillary Clinton ever divorce because they have an airport named after them! The airport in Arkansas has been called on of the worst in the USA for several reasons. Passengers often experience long wait times as well as length delays. Add to this the poor check in procedure and you’ve got yourself an airport best avoided.
Remember to bring your own food and drink since this airport only has a couple of stores.
8. Charles De Gaulle (France)
A huge airport in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world – how did it all go so horribly wrong? Well according to flyers, airport staff at Charles De Gaulle are rude while everything else is just generally chaotic. One particularly problematic aspect is that connecting terminals require a 2 mile journey due to the airport’s poor design.
Finally, luggage is lost at a startling rate, making Charles De Gaulle an airport best avoided.
7. Moscow Sheremetyevo (Russia)
One of the biggest faults of this Russian airport is its incredibly poor design. The terminals are literally miles away from the gates. Make sure you’re wearing a good pair of running shoes if you’re late.
The airport is in generally poor condition with various broken signs being the most obvious – perhaps bringing a compass and a map is also a good idea! Top this with the rude staff and you’ve certainly a reason to buy that Vodka in duty free.
6. Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International (Saudi Arabia)
A word of advice – don’t go here unless you’re keen to experience a poorly organized immigration check in by undertrained staff. It’s said that waits of up to 4 hours can be expected just to have the passport stamped. And if you have any problems, don’t expect to be helped by officials who are often rude and unresponsive.
Perhaps the airport should invest in better training in order to actually assist travellers.
5. Calcutta Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (India)
It may well win an award for having one of the longest airport names, but this Calcutta airport won’t be receiving any other medals. Described as uncomfortable and chaotic, the big crowds and high level of noise make a visit to this airport a stressful experience.
What’s more, armed guards situated at every entrance don’t exactly help travellers feel welcome. If you’re there for more than a couple of hours, the domestic terminal may be less crazy.
4. N’Djamena International (Chad)
At the end of the day, it’s Africa. But while you may not expect the level of quality found in much of Europe, for example, there are a few reasons why N’Djamena International is significantly worse than other airports in this continent.
For starters, it’s dirty. Mud tracks surrounding the airport find their way inside and a lack of litter bins means rubbish is often just left on the floor. Should you visit, make sure it’s as brief as possible.
3. Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International (Pakistan)
Dirty and crowded is not what people look for in an airport. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what this airport is. Having been compared to a prison, it’s not the best first impression for those adventurous travellers looking to explore Pakistan. Due to the disorganization, it’s best you have your papers perfectly in order to avoid problems.
Thankfully, a new international airport is planned for 2016.
2. Frankfurt Hahn International (Germany)
Considering Germany seems to be extremely efficient and do everything right, how is it that a German airport can make this list? Well, it’s incredibly bleak – passengers have often criticized its cold and characterless design. Perhaps this isn’t too surprising since it was Germany’s first budget airport – cheap and cheerful was clearly the aim.
What’s more the airport is actually some 120km away from Frankfurt – how convenient!
1. Kathmandu Tribhuvan International (Nepal)
Step back in time and experience Nepal’s international airport. Likened to an abandoned factory, from the screens to the flight information the technology of this airport is seriously out-dated. Bribery by officials is not uncommon so carrying some extra rupees is advised.
Needless to say, if you find yourself with a particularly long wait at this airport, it’s best to find a good local hotel to crash at instead.
