The World’s 100 Best Airports · 2026

The Best Airports in the Middle East

11 of the 100 airports in The World’s 100 Best Airports 2026 are in the Middle East, in 8 countries. The highest placed is Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, at number 2 in the world. Dubai International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (number 4) and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (number 6) follow.

Gulf transit hubs

Hamad International Airport serves Doha as its main international airport and works as a transit hub between Asia and Europe. Dubai International Airport has several terminals and concourses that handle very high passenger numbers. Zayed International Airport is the hub of Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. Bahrain International Airport in Manama opened a new terminal in 2021 and handles transit traffic between Europe and the Far East. Muscat International Airport in Seeb, about 32 km from central Muscat, is Oman's main gateway.

Saudi Arabian airports

King Khalid International Airport lies north of Riyadh and has five main terminals. King Fahd International Airport serves Dammam and the Eastern Province across a vast land area, with a six-story terminal of Islamic-inspired design. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport serves Madinah with spacious, air-conditioned halls and a contemporary design.

Capital city gateways

Ben Gurion International Airport lies about 20 kilometres southeast of Tel Aviv, with Terminal 3 as its principal building. Queen Alia International Airport sits about 35 km south of Amman in a modern building with spacious areas. Istanbul Airport in Arnavutköy, on Istanbul's European side, is a large transfer hub.