Airports are the gateways to cities and countries. They set the tone for the trip that follows. When an airport works well, travelers barely notice the process. But when things go wrong, delays, long lines, and uncomfortable conditions can turn a journey into an ordeal.
Every year, global surveys from passengers highlight airports that consistently struggle with service, cleanliness, facilities, and time management.
In 2025, the list of the world’s worst airports points to some familiar names. These are places where travelers have faced long waits, poor organization, and outdated infrastructure.
This article looks closely at the ten airports that have developed a reputation for being the most frustrating in the world.
How Airport Rankings Are Measured
Airport quality is judged on several factors. Cleanliness, efficiency of security and immigration checks, punctuality of departures, passenger facilities, signage, and ease of connections all matter.
Surveys also ask travelers about customer service, baggage handling, and the availability of food and seating areas.
While some airports have improved in recent years, others remain stuck with overcrowded terminals and weak service.
The following list is based on reviews collected from Skytrax ratings, global traveler feedback, and punctuality data.
1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, known locally as NAIA, has been at the center of criticism for years. It handles more traffic than it was designed for, so overcrowding is a constant issue.
Passengers often complain about chaotic security lines, a lack of clear information, and frequent flight delays. Terminals are not connected well, which makes it difficult for people who need to transfer flights.
While there have been efforts to modernize, progress has been slow. Long waiting times and uncomfortable seating remain the main pain points.
2. Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia
This airport is one of the main gateways for pilgrims visiting Mecca, so it sees heavy seasonal traffic. Unfortunately, the infrastructure has not always kept up with demand.
Crowds during the Hajj season often lead to confusion, missed flights, and complaints about insufficient facilities.
While a newer terminal has been built, reviews still report delays in baggage handling and long queues at immigration.
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), United States
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, but size alone is not the issue. Passengers consistently rank it low for convenience.
Traffic jams just to enter the airport can take more than an hour. Inside, the terminals are large but feel disconnected, and transfers between terminals require long walks or shuttle rides.
Even after ongoing renovation work, travelers say that lines for security and immigration remain stressful. The volume of flights causes delays that can ripple across the entire day.
4. London Luton Airport, United Kingdom
Luton Airport has long been a favorite for low-cost airlines, but it is also one of the most criticized airports in Europe.
Passengers often face overcrowded waiting areas with limited seating. Complaints include slow security lines, expensive food and drinks, and delays that are not always clearly explained.
For those connecting from long-haul flights to budget airlines, the lack of comfort adds to frustration.
5. Paris Beauvais-Tillé Airport, France
Located far from central Paris, Beauvais Airport mainly serves low-cost airlines. Its location is a challenge, requiring long bus rides just to reach the city.
Once inside, the airport offers very limited facilities. Food options are basic, and seating is scarce when multiple flights depart close together.
Travelers describe the experience as functional but stressful. The lack of smooth public transport and frequent cancellations also lower passenger satisfaction.
6. Newark Liberty International Airport, United States
Newark Liberty serves as a major entry point to New York City, but its reputation among travelers has been poor for years.
Delays, confusing signage, and limited amenities make the passenger experience difficult. Terminals can feel dated, and the service at security and immigration checkpoints often moves slowly.
Even though some upgrades are ongoing, it still appears on most lists of airports that travelers try to avoid when possible.
7. Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan
Islamabad’s relatively new airport was supposed to solve congestion issues, but travelers say the problems have not gone away.
Flights are often delayed, and there are frequent complaints about disorganized boarding processes.
The cleanliness of facilities is inconsistent, and information for travelers during delays is limited. Parking and transportation around the airport are also a challenge.
8. Santorini International Airport, Greece
Santorini is one of the most visited islands in the world, but its small airport struggles to handle the number of passengers it receives in peak season.
During the summer months, travelers can expect cramped terminals, long queues, and limited services.
Air conditioning often fails to keep up with the heat, and seating is scarce. For an island that relies on tourism, the airport experience can be a shock to visitors.
9. Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Germany
Berlin Brandenburg Airport opened in 2020 after years of delays and problems, but the launch did not put an end to the issues.
Passengers have reported long lines at security, confusing signage, and baggage delays. Although the airport is modern in design, it has faced criticism for poor planning when handling large crowds during peak hours.
Travelers expected Berlin to have a smooth, efficient hub, but in reality the airport still struggles to live up to that expectation.
10. Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada
Toronto Pearson is one of North America’s largest airports, but it has gained a reputation for chaotic service during busy travel seasons.
In summer 2023 and 2024, Pearson experienced some of the worst delays in the world, with baggage piling up and passengers waiting hours for immigration clearance.
While there have been efforts to fix these problems, the experience in 2025 still leaves many passengers frustrated with inconsistent service levels.
Why These Airports Struggle
Several patterns emerge when looking at the airports on this list. Overcrowding is the biggest factor. When airports handle more passengers than they were built for, everything from check‑in to baggage delivery slows down.
A second major issue is aging infrastructure. Even when new terminals are built, the planning sometimes does not consider future growth.
Finally, customer service training and communication play a big role. Passengers can be more patient during delays if they are given clear information, but poor communication turns inconvenience into anger.
What This Means for Travelers
Knowing which airports have a poor reputation can help travelers prepare. Choosing flights with longer layovers, avoiding peak travel seasons, and having a plan for food and entertainment during long waits can make a big difference.
If you are connecting through one of these airports, consider travel insurance and keep essential items in carry‑on luggage.
Always allow extra time for security and immigration when your trip includes a stop at a busy hub.
Improving the Experience
Many of these airports are aware of the problems and are investing heavily in upgrades. Los Angeles International is undergoing a massive renovation.
Manila’s NAIA is set to expand. Berlin Brandenburg continues to work on staffing and efficiency.
However, improvements take years to fully show results. For now, travelers need to adjust expectations and prepare for possible delays.
Looking Ahead
Airport rankings change as cities invest in infrastructure and management. What is seen as one of the worst airports today could become a much better experience a decade from now.
The lesson for travelers is clear: research before booking. Sometimes paying a little more to fly through a more reliable airport is worth it if it means avoiding hours of unnecessary stress.
