Between security checks, more or less desperate waits at the gate, unwelcome delays, and the services available in the terminal, the airport has undoubtedly become an integral part of the travel experience. This is precisely the basis of the AirHelp Score 2026, the ranking that compares 279 airports in 76 countries using punctuality, passenger experience, and the quality of facilities and comfort as criteria. The flights analyzed cover the period from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
The Italian result holds a few surprises: the top of the national standings is not, after all, the country’s main international hubs, but rather others that are decidedly more unexpected. Here is the ranking.
What is Italy’s Best Airport in 2026
According to the AirHelp ranking, the best airport in Italy is Cagliari Elmas, achieving an overall score of 7.78. What weighs most is the punctuality, rated at 8 points: according to the data released with the ranking, only 19% of flights experience a delay and about 1% are canceled. The assessment of the passenger experience reaches 7.5, while facilities and services earn 7.4.
In second place is Bari Karol Wojtyla with 7.75 points. The most interesting figure concerns passenger experience, which reaches 8.1 and is the best among the three Italian airports on the podium. The Bari airport thus confirms itself as among those capable of combining substantial traffic growth with a positive perception from travelers.
Completing the top 3 is Milano Linate, with an AirHelp Score of 7.74. The Milan airport’s recent renewal contributes to a balanced result: 8 points for punctuality and 7.7 for the passenger experience.
The methodology assigns the greatest weight precisely to flight regularity. Punctuality therefore represents 60% of the overall score, while passenger experience and facilities and comfort each account for 20%. Among the elements considered are also staff, waiting times, cleanliness, accessibility, signage, and the presence of restaurants and shops.
Italy’s Worst Airport is Orio al Serio
At the opposite end of the Italian ranking lies Bergamo-Orio al Serio, which occupies the 256th worldwide position with an overall score of 7.03. What drags the Bergamo airport down is mainly punctuality, rated 6.9. According to data reported by AirHelp, over 30% of the considered flights recorded delays and 10% cancellations. The assessment for services and comfort is also lower, stopping at 6.8.
Overall, the ranking nonetheless shows how Italian airports remain far from the very top international positions. The best global result is indeed that of Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, first with 8.48 points, ahead of Fortaleza-Pinto Martins in Brazil with 8.42 and the Cape Town airport in South Africa with 8.36.
An additional important element emerges from this comparison: the size of the airport is not decisive, but what makes the difference, especially for frequent travelers, is rather the ability to meet timetables, move easily within the terminal, and spend the waiting time in a functional and well-organized environment.
