The Coolest Airports in the World

Your holiday starts the second you're off the plane. A smooth trip through the airport is essential for beginning your vacation in high spirits. However, some airports exceed the bare minimum of trouble-free travel by providing an experience so impressive you'll be reluctant to leave. We've looked at some of the coolest airports in the world and listed our top selection based on the most aesthetic, entertaining, and fascinating amenities across the globe.

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Widely known as the most beautiful global airport, visiting Singapore Changi is an incredible experience and is arguably the coolest airport in the world. Connected to Terminal 1, you'll find Jewel Changi, an entertainment complex that's free for travellers to look around. For those not arriving at Terminal 1, Jewel Changi can easily be accessed through its bridges and Skytrain.

Jewel Changi is most famous for its stunning waterfall cascading water from 130 feet, making it the largest indoor waterfall worldwide. Known as its Rain Vortex, the waterfall becomes even more breathtaking at night thanks to its neon light shows (check exact timings beforehand).

Jewel Changi has activities available for all ages. From its many shops to its fun attractions, including its mirror maze and walking net (charges will apply). At Singapore Changi, being bored is an impossible challenge.

To the east of Singapore, Jewel Changi isn't the only notable attraction in the area. There's lots of nature to observe, from the stunning beach park to its enchanted garden.

Many airlines fly to Singapore Changi, but some notable ones include Singapore Airlines, the country's flag carrier, and Scoot and Jetstar Asia, which both use the airport as their hub.

Hamad International Airport (DOH)

This luxury airport in Qatar is well appreciated for its many pleasant amenities, including its sophisticated business lounge, relaxing beauty retreat and its wide variety of food options. However, it's also revered for its aesthetic design, which goes beyond the average airport interior.

Its centrepiece is its bronze sculpted teddy bear that sits at 23 feet. This adorably giant bear lives on top of an even bigger lamp, providing an innovative light source.

Another cool part of Hamad is its indoor orchard. The tropical garden is a welcome break from the usual grey and white infrastructure that composes most airports. Instead, you can stroll through its garden of over 300 trees and 25 thousand plants and shrubs. Its calming ambience is the perfect way to relax before a long flight.

Hamad International is located in Qatar's capital city, Doha. If you decide to visit this area, you'll find that the capital has lots to offer. There's the Museum of Islamic Art, a scenic destination showcasing 1400 years of artwork. Another activity you might enjoy is the Villaggio Mall, a luxury shopping centre aesthetically designed with its own indoor canal.

Hamad International is the hub for Qatar's flag carrier, Qatar Airways.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Vancouver International has won Best Airport in North America 14 times, and when you look at what it has to offer, it's not hard to see why.

One of the reasons why it keeps winning awards is thanks to how accessible it is. Its facilities make travel for wheelchair users a breeze. But what else is cool about it? Well, for those interested in marine life, you'll have a great time exploring this airport.

Vancouver International has a 114,000-litre aquarium and a rocky kelp forest to observe. Instead of spending your time watching the clock, you can witness the fish serenely floating by. A much better way of passing the time. Some exciting sea life you might see include the Wolf-eel, Tiger Rockfish, Sea Stars and many more!

Located in Vancouver, Canada, there's lots to do outside the airport. The aquarium at Vancouver International gives you a glimpse of what Vancouver Aquarium offers. If you want to see even more sea life, from sharks to clownfish, then make sure you stop by.

Canada's flag carrier is Air Canada, which offers frequent flights to Vancouver International. Another common airline is WestJet, which has its hub at the airport.

Barra Airport (BRR)

Barra offers perhaps the most unique arrival to any airport. Located on the Scottish Island of Barra, this is the only recorded airport in the world that uses a tidal beach as its runway! With an achievement like that, it could easily be categorised as the coolest airport in the world. Instead of concrete being the first of Barra's soil you touch, be greeted by a sandy beach.

Barra offers a cool story and a great way to ground yourself in Scotland from the moment the plane arrives. Because the airport has to abide by the tide, only 2-3 planes arrive a day, making the rare experience even more special.

Barra is one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland, with many scenic destinations to visit. From strolls on the beach to exploring ancient castles, Bara is a relaxing, nature-based retreat.

Due to Barra's unique landing destination, only certain planes can fly to the airport. Because of this, you'll most likely be booking a flight with Loganair Scotland's own airline.

Williams Field (NZWD)

Williams Field is the coolest airport in the world... literally. Contrary to Barra, where you'll land on the beach, at Williams Field the runway's made of ice! This airfield in Antarctica is one of the primary ways people get to the snowy continent.

People arriving at Williams Field will land at a far from traditional airport; in fact, it's not really an airport at all! Two strips of land are used as its runways, but you won't find any terminals or cosy shops here! This is because Williams Field isn't a commercial airport. It isn't easy to get permission to visit Antarctica because it's under essential Environmental Protection. Most people who are allowed to visit are there for scientific research. That said, it isn't impossible for the average person to reach and explore.

There are many reasons why someone would want to visit Antarctica. It might be the allure of it being the least explored continent or the desire to transverse the demanding terrain. Whatever the reason, as long as you get permission and follow guidelines, you can challenge yourself to a visit. To get a visiting permit, you must live in one of the 57 countries in the Antarctic Treaty.

There are no commercial airports in Antarctica. To visit, you'll want to arrive at the nearest commercial airport, Punta Arenas, in Chile. Many airlines fly to Chile, including LATAM Airlines, Chile's flag carrier.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Named the most connected airport in the United States, it isn't just its good transportation networks that make Chicago O'Hare such a great airport. If you want to kill some time, you'll find an abundance of things to do.

Dinosaur enthusiasts will find it cool to know that O'Hare has a replica of the Brachiosaurus, which can be found in Terminal 2 of the airport. Other exciting things available are the Yoga Rooms in Terminal 3, which provide yoga mats without charge and let you use the space for free, Spas in Terminals 1 and 3, and plenty of food options.

Based in Chicago, America, there's lots to do in the area around O'Hare. If you're visiting, you have to try a Chicago pizza—a mouthwatering, deep-dish pizza that people travel all across the world to eat. There are also lots of attractions to be entertained by, with plenty of museums, bars, and beaches.

Two of America's biggest airlines use Chicago O'Hare as their hub: American Airlines and United Airlines.

Velana International Airport (MLE)

What makes Velana so intriguing isn't the airport's internal structure or available amenities. It's the location of the airport itself. Velana's the main airport in the Maldives, and it's located on Hulhulé Island.

It's situated on a thin piece of land surrounded by ocean on either side and contains only one asphalt runway. The other four are water runways that are used by seaplanes.

Arriving at the airport can make for an exciting, heart-pumping landing, as the turquoise blue waters are right beside you as you descend. Although takeoff and landing might look a little daunting, the airport is perfectly safe and has been accredited as a safe travel airport.

The Maldives is an idyllic destination for a beach getaway. With white sand and warm waters, it's the perfect place to unwind and escape the hecticness of everyday life.

Maldivian is the flag carrier for the Maldives, and its base is at Velana International Airport.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

This airport in Colorado has won awards for its excellent architecture, allowing for an enjoyable experience while navigating throughout the airport. However, this isn't the only noteworthy thing about it.

What makes the airport so intriguing is its extensive underground tunnel network. Although the tunnels were constructed to easily move baggage, especially in snowy conditions, the reason for the tunnels has still led to conspiracy theories.

The artwork around Denver Airport has further fueled some of these conspiracies. Two murals in particular, people believe, hint at the end of the world. Some describe the airport as having a peculiar, almost creepy atmosphere, and Denver International frequently ranks as the most haunted airport to exist. Therefore, making it for some both the scariest and coolest airport in the world.

Although many of the conspiracies surrounding the airport seem outlandish, the stories make for an interesting read. If you visit, see if you pick up on any strange vibes.

The western American state of Colorado is one of the most beautiful parts of America. From lush green trees to snowy mountain peaks, Colorado is a wonderful destination for nature lovers.

Denver International is the central hub for the low-cost airline Frontier Airlines.

Juancho E Yrausquin Airport (SAB)

Saba is an island that's part of the Caribbean Netherlands. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is the only airport in Saba, and it's known for having the shortest runway in the world. It's also the smallest commercial airport that currently exists.

The airport is situated atop a cliff, making for an exhilarating land. The combination of its intense location, small runway and Saba's weather conditions make it one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

Despite its short runway, plenty of popular airlines still fly to Saba from all across the globe.

If you decide to visit, you'll find the island, which is made up of a dormant volcano, offers breathtaking views and memorable hikes.

Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Incheon International is the main airport in South Korea and frequently receives praise for its aesthetic design. Its roof is comprised of large sections of glass that allow sunlight to trickle into the airport, providing pleasant natural lighting. To add to this airport's beauty, several pieces of colourful artwork are dotted about.

Incheon International has its own cultural centre to entertain you further, allowing tourists to see some of South Korea's traditional performances and ornaments.

Located only 45 minutes from South Korea's capital, Seoul, Incheon Airport will give you a pleasant arrival to a great holiday destination. The modern city is bustling with so much life that there's never a dull moment.

South Korea's flag carrier, Korean Air, offers frequent flights to the airport. Incheon International is also the central hub for Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, and Polar Air Cargo.

End Note

Those are some of the top 10 coolest airports in the world, spanning multiple continents and several countries. Impressive, aren't they? Well, airports like Singapore's Changi won't be the outlier for long. Other airports are planning to make their facilities just as impressive. Long wait times with nothing to do might not be the airport standard for too much longer.

But in the meantime, if you're interested in visiting any of the countries we mentioned, why not book a flight to one of these airports? At Alternative Airlines, our expert customer service team are always there to support you on your booking journey.

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