What is the best airport in Europe in 2026? The World Travel Awards provide the answer, the prestigious international recognitions that each year honor the excellence of tourism, from the best hotels to airlines, through destinations and airports. The European winners were announced on October 17, 2026, at a ceremony held in Kotor, Montenegro.
Among the most compelling categories for travelers is the one dedicated to airports, ever more pivotal infrastructures in the travel experience. This year the top prize went once again to a Swiss airport, while among the nominees there was also a notable Italian airport.
Europe’s Leading Airport in 2026
Winning the title of Europe’s Leading Airport 2026 was Zurich Airport in Switzerland, further confirming its primacy in the European airport landscape. This isn’t an isolated victory: consulting the official World Travel Awards archive reveals a striking fact. The Swiss hub has earned this recognition uninterrupted since 2004, reaching in 2026 its 23rd consecutive win.
Located about 13 kilometers from downtown Zurich, the airport stands as one of Switzerland’s main gateways and a crucial international connectivity hub. The presence of numerous passenger services, shopping and dining opportunities, and train connections to the city center all contribute to making it a particularly appealing stopover airport, even for travelers undergoing a layover.
The victory gains even more significance considering the other airports that competed for the prize. Among the contenders were some of the continent’s largest hubs, such as Heathrow (London), Amsterdam Schiphol, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Istanbul. However, the award does not constitute a general ranking based on metrics like punctuality or passenger traffic; it represents the result of a specific category within the World Travel Awards.
Among the Candidates: Rome Fiumicino
Among the airports shortlisted for the title of Europe’s best in 2026 is also Rome Fiumicino, officially named Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. The capital’s airport indeed featured among the contenders for the award, alongside other major European airports. The complete list of nominees included Amsterdam Schiphol, Berlin Brandenburg, Hamburg, London Heathrow, Istanbul, Barcelona–El Prat, Lisbon, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Pristina, Rome Fiumicino, Vienna, and Zurich.
It should be noted, however, that the World Travel Awards did not publish a full ranking for this category: Zurich is the official winner, while the other airports appear on the nomination list, without assigned positions. The 2026 edition also recognized other aspects related to the airport experience. The Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge award went to the Clubrooms of Heathrow Terminal 3 in London, while the Europe’s Leading Airport Hotel title was claimed by NH Lyon Airport in France.
Regarding the aviation sector, Turkish Airlines secured the title of Europe’s Leading Airline, while Lufthansa won the Economy Class category. Once again, the awards underscore how travel experience today is evaluated across different facets, from the starting airport to the services available during the wait, up to the comfort aboard the aircraft.
