Tokyo Haneda Airport, officially known as Tokyo International Airport, has been recognized as the third-best airport globally in the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. This prestigious ranking highlights Haneda's exceptional cleanliness, efficiency, and accessibility, making it a standout among international airports.

Located approximately 15 kilometers from central Tokyo, Haneda serves as a crucial transportation hub for both domestic and international travelers, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility to the city.

Tokyo Haneda Airport, officially known as Tokyo International Airport, is a historic and vital hub for Japanese air travel. Established in 1931 as Haneda Airfield, it initially served as Japan's largest civil airport, replacing the army air base at Tachikawa. During World War II, plans for a new municipal airport were abandoned, and Haneda was expanded under Allied Occupation (1945–1952) to serve both military and civilian transportation needs. 

Post-war, Haneda became Japan's primary gateway for international passenger flights, with airlines like Northwest Orient Airlines and Pan American World Airways introducing routes connecting Tokyo to major global destinations.

The airport underwent significant development in the mid-20th century. A new passenger terminal opened in 1955, followed by the inauguration of the Tokyo Monorail in 1964, which provided a direct 20-minute connection to downtown Tokyo. By the late 1970s, most international services were transferred to Narita International Airport, but Haneda remained a key domestic hub.

In October 2010, Haneda reclaimed its status as a major international gateway with the opening of Runway D and a state-of-the-art international passenger terminal

Haneda has consistently evolved to meet growing demand and enhance passenger experience. It now handles over 85 million passengers annually and is recognized for its world-class facilities. Recent expansions include Terminal 3's transformation into an international hub and the creation of Haneda Nihonbashi Bridge in 2014.

The airport features extensive shopping areas, diverse dining options, accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, and cutting-edge amenities like duty-free pick-up counters and Wi-Fi rentals.

Haneda’s cultural significance is also reflected in its unique Japanese hospitality. Travelers often remark on the ground crew’s tradition of waving goodbye and bowing as planes depart—a gesture that highlights Japan's commitment to customer service.

Today, Haneda stands as a symbol of innovation and efficiency in global aviation, earning accolades such as being ranked the third-best airport in the world by Skytrax in 2025. Its strategic location near Tokyo's city center, seamless transportation links via monorail and train lines, and dedication to cleanliness and accessibility make it a preferred choice for both domestic and international travelers.

Key Features and Facilities of Haneda Airport

• Convenience and Accessibility: Haneda's proximity to Tokyo's city center allows for quick and easy access via the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail, connecting travelers to major stations like Shinagawa and Hamamatsucho.

• Facilities and Services: The airport features extensive shopping areas, including duty-free stores and Japanese specialty shops, as well as a variety of dining options offering authentic Japanese cuisine. Notable dining spots include "Edo Koji" in the international terminal, which recreates the Edo period atmosphere.

• Lounges and Accommodations: Haneda offers multiple airline lounges, such as those operated by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, as well as shared lounges like the Power Lounge and Sky Lounge. Directly connected hotels, including the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu and Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda, provide convenient accommodations for travelers.

• Accessibility for All: Haneda is recognized for its accessible facilities, ensuring that passengers with reduced mobility have a seamless experience. This includes comprehensive services and amenities designed to cater to diverse needs.

• Cultural Experience: The airport offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese hospitality ("omotenashi") from the moment they arrive. This includes shopping for traditional crafts and enjoying local cuisine.

• Transportation and Amenities: Beyond its core functions, Haneda provides additional services such as baggage delivery, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi rentals. The airport is also equipped with ATMs and convenience stores available 24 hours a day.

• Haneda Airport Garden: This retail and dining complex, connected to Terminal 3, offers over 60 shops and 20 restaurants, enhancing the overall travel experience with its diverse offerings. It features a variety of Japanese cuisine, including dishes from Nagoya, Gunma, and Kyoto.

• Health and Safety Services: Each terminal includes a pharmacy, a clinic, and a police box, ensuring traveler safety and health needs are met. Dozens of AED machines are also available throughout the airport.

• Information and Assistance: Information counters are situated at various locations, providing assistance to travelers. Additionally, an information call service is available for further support.

Tips for Travelers at Haneda Airport

1. Plan Ahead: Arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight to account for security checks and potential lines.

2. Use Public Transport: The Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail are efficient and cost-effective ways to reach central Tokyo. Consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel.

3. Explore Duty-Free Shopping: Haneda offers a wide range of duty-free products, including cosmetics, liquor, and electronics. Take advantage of these deals to save money.

4. Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to try authentic Japanese food at the airport. From sushi to ramen, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

5. Stay Connected: Rent a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or purchase a prepaid SIM card to stay connected throughout your trip in Japan.

6. Use Airport Lounges: If you have access to an airport lounge, take advantage of the amenities like free Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks to relax before your flight.

7. Download Airport Apps: Utilize the Haneda Airport app to navigate terminals, check flight information, and locate facilities easily.

8. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of Japanese customs and etiquette, especially when interacting with airport staff or using public facilities.

Haneda's consistent ranking among the world's best airports reflects its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, making it an ideal gateway for travelers to Japan.

Turkish Airlines has been officially crowned “Best Airline in Europe” for the tenth time at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at the Air and Space Museum in Paris on June 17. This milestone achievement was determined by the votes of millions of passengers from over 100 nationalities, who participated in the world’s largest airline satisfaction survey between September 2024 and May 2025.

The Turkish flag carrier’s consistent excellence was further highlighted by a sweep of eight major awards, including “World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering,” “Best Airline in Southern Europe,” “Best Economy Class in Europe,” and “Best Economy Class Onboard Catering in Europe,” underscoring its dominance in both premium and economy travel markets.

Turkish Airlines’ reputation for connecting more countries than any other airline remains unmatched, supported by a rapidly expanding fleet that is expected to reach approximately 530 aircraft by the end of 2025. The airline carried 85.2 million passengers in 2024, with strong growth continuing into 2025, as January alone saw 6.8 million travelers—a rise of over 8% from the previous year.

This growth is fueled by ongoing investments in new, fuel-efficient aircraft such as Airbus A321neos and A350s, and by a robust order book of more than 270 aircraft, positioning Istanbul as a major global aviation hub.

Service innovation is another pillar of Turkish Airlines’ success. By the end of 2025, the airline plans to offer all passengers free, unlimited, high-speed in-flight connectivity, retrofitting its entire fleet with the latest technology in partnership with leading local and international suppliers. A recent Memorandum of Understanding with TCI Aircraft Interiors and Turksat highlights Turkish Airlines’ commitment to supporting Turkish innovation in aviation technology.

Sustainability also features prominently in the airline’s agenda. The “Tomorrow On-Board” initiative, launched in 2024, sets out a comprehensive framework for sustainable operations, including the use of eco-friendly inflight products and transparent communication of environmental goals. This program aims to inspire both passengers and investors, reinforcing Turkish Airlines’ pledge to reduce its environmental impact and promote a better future for the industry.

Globally, Turkish Airlines’ recognition comes in a competitive landscape, with Qatar Airways taking the title of “World’s Best Airline,” followed by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

Despite this, Turkish Airlines’ continued accolades in Europe and its strong operational performance underscore its status as a leader in global aviation, renowned for world-class service, innovative passenger experiences, and a commitment to sustainability

About to jet off for your summer holiday? You might be flying with one of the world’s best airlines, according to the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced on June 18. Known as the ‘Oscars of aviation,’ these awards are based on extensive customer surveys evaluating over 350 airlines worldwide, culminating in a ranking of the top 100 carriers.

For the ninth time in its 26-year history, Qatar Airways claimed the coveted title of World’s Best Airline, reaffirming its dominance in global aviation. The Qatari national carrier also secured top honors for Best Business Class, Best Airline in the Middle East, and Best Business Class Lounge, underscoring its commitment to premium service and innovation.

While no UK airline broke into the top 10, two British carriers made a strong showing in the top 20—a remarkable feat given the fierce international competition. British Airways held steady at 13th place, maintaining its position from 2024, while Virgin Atlantic climbed one spot to 16th. Virgin Atlantic also earned a special accolade for the World’s Best Premium Economy Class, highlighting its excellence in passenger comfort and service.

The full top 10 list featured other global heavyweights such as Singapore Airlines, which ranked second and was recognized for the World’s Best Airline Cabin Staff and Best First Class, and Cathay Pacific Airways, which took third place. The awards ceremony, held during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget’s Air and Space Museum, celebrated the crème de la crème of the skies, with winners spanning full-service, low-cost, and regional airlines.

So, as you prepare for your summer getaway, take pride in knowing that if you’re flying with Qatar Airways, British Airways, or Virgin Atlantic, you’re in the hands of some of the world’s finest airlines, as voted by millions of global travelers.

Qatar Airways has further cemented its reputation as a global aviation leader by sweeping the top honors at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at the Paris Air Show’s Air and Space Museum.

The airline was named the World’s Best Airline for a record ninth time, an unprecedented achievement in the 26-year history of the awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the aviation industry”. This recognition highlights Qatar Airways’ sustained excellence in service, innovation, and passenger satisfaction.

In addition to the coveted overall title, Qatar Airways dominated the Business Class categories. The airline was awarded World’s Best Business Class, with its signature Qsuite once again earning praise for its industry-leading privacy, comfort, and innovative design.

The Qsuite’s unique features, such as sliding doors and the option to create double beds or private suites for families and colleagues, have set new benchmarks for business travel luxury.

The Al Mourjan Garden Lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha was named the World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, recognized for its sophisticated design, extensive amenities, and tranquil atmosphere that offers travelers a premium pre-flight experience.

The lounge is part of the airport’s broader commitment to excellence, with Hamad International itself having recently been awarded for the world’s best airport shopping experience.

Qatar Airways also retained the title of Best Airline in the Middle East, further establishing its dominance in the region amid strong competition from other Gulf carriers like Emirates and Saudia.

CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer emphasized that these accolades are a testament to the passion, precision, and dedication of the airline’s staff, both on the frontlines and behind the scenes, as they strive to set new standards in aviation.

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted lauded Qatar Airways’ remarkable achievement, noting the airline’s consistently high performance across multiple categories and its role in shaping the future of air travel.

The airline’s continued recognition as a Skytrax Five-Star Airline further underscores its mission to deliver world-class service and inspire loyalty among millions of travelers worldwide.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been recognized as the world’s second-best airline for 2025 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, held during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport. The awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the aviation industry,” are determined by passenger votes, with this year’s survey drawing responses from over 22 million travelers and evaluating more than 325 airlines globally.

Qatar Airways claimed the top spot for a record ninth time, while Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and ANA All Nippon Airways completed the top five.

Despite not reclaiming the top position, SIA achieved an impressive sweep of major accolades, including World’s Best Cabin Crew, World’s Best First Class, and Best Airline in Asia. Its First Class suites, renowned for their spacious design and luxury amenities, were highlighted as industry leaders. The airline also received recognition for its business and economy class offerings, maintaining its reputation for service excellence across all cabin classes.

The Skytrax awards are highly regarded in the industry, with winners selected through independent surveys that have been conducted annually since 1999. The event saw attendance from around 500 airline representatives, including senior executives and uniformed cabin crew, underscoring its significance within the aviation sector.

SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, was also honored as the World’s Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline, reflecting the group’s broad appeal and commitment to quality at multiple price points. The consistent performance of Singapore Airlines, which has previously won the World’s Best Airline title five times, is seen as a testament to its enduring focus on customer experience, innovation, and operational excellence.

The Skytrax methodology relies on passenger feedback regarding various aspects of the travel experience, including cabin comfort, onboard service, and catering, making the awards a direct reflection of customer satisfaction. SIA’s continued presence at the top of these rankings highlights its global standing and the loyalty it commands among travelers worldwide

German aviation vlogger Josh Cahill, known for his candid airline reviews and a YouTube following of over 788,000, has made headlines after being seen onboard a Qatar Airways aircraft at the 2025 Paris Air Show—his first time on the airline’s plane since a high-profile ban in December 2023.

The controversy began when Cahill published a critical review titled “The Shocking Decline of Qatar Airways,” documenting his negative experiences on a flight from Colombo to London via Doha. The review highlighted issues such as dirty bathrooms, unhelpful crew, and outdated cabins, quickly drawing widespread attention and sparking debate among aviation enthusiasts.

Qatar Airways, displeased with the negative publicity, reportedly offered Cahill a complimentary flight in exchange for removing the video a request he refused. The airline then asked for the removal of negative comments about employee working conditions, which Cahill also declined.

After these refusals, Qatar Airways attempted to have the video taken down from YouTube, citing privacy concerns for crew members. YouTube sided with Cahill, leaving the video online. The airline then invoked its contract of carriage, which prohibits unauthorized onboard filming, and informed Cahill by email that his upcoming booking was canceled and that he would not be allowed to make future reservations.

The fallout extended beyond Cahill. According to sources cited by Cahill, the entire crew from his reviewed flight was reportedly terminated after the airline failed to remove the video, though this has not been independently substantiated. Cahill has since appealed to Qatar Airways’ new CEO, Badr Al Meer, to reconsider the crew’s dismissal.

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways featured a static display of its Boeing 777-300ER. As is customary at such events, attendees including Cahill were allowed onboard to view the product. Qatar Airways staff, apparently unaware of his ban, welcomed him aboard, and Cahill posted a photo from the QSuite Business Class on social media, captioning it: “Perhaps Qatar Airways will unban me now”. The airline has consistently declined to comment on the incident or clarify the current status of the ban.

Cahill’s experience has intensified debate over airline transparency and the rights of online reviewers. He has expressed concern that banning passengers for negative reviews sets a troubling precedent for censorship in the industry. His story has garnered thousands of comments online, with many viewers criticizing Qatar Airways’ handling of the situation.

The incident comes amid several major developments at the Paris Air Show, including substantial aircraft orders by Riyadh Air and LOT Polish Airlines, temporary booth closures by Israeli defense companies due to political tensions, and Boeing’s subdued presence following a recent fatal crash involving the 787 Dreamliner.
Cahill’s unexpected return to a Qatar Airways cabin—albeit on a non-operational aircraft—adds a new chapter to a saga that continues to spark discussion across the aviation world.