FLYING HIGH - The top 10 airports in the World

The World Airport Awards are based on survey results from 11.38 million questionnaires completed by over 100 different nationalities of airline passengers in more than 240 airports worldwide. The survey was conducted in 2010-2011 and evaluates traveller experiences across 39 different airport service and product factors - from check-in, arrivals, transfer through to departure at the gate. And the winners are…

1. HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT This is the third busiest International passenger airport in the world. The ratings for HKIA show some considerable improvements during the last year, particularly in security and immigration processing that served to enhance customer satisfaction levels. Fast and easy access to downtown Hong Kong, combined with the bright and airy terminal ambiance, superb shopping facilities to place HKIA in top position.

2. SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT Serving more than 100 international airlines flying to some 200 cities in 60 countries, Changi Airport handles about 5,400 arrivals and departures every week and over 42 million passengers a year (that's more than 7 times the size of Singapore's population). With over 40,000 square metres of commercial space, Changi Airport is also one of Singapore's largest shopping locations.Changi Airport did score two major achievements in the survey winning the title of Best International Transit Airport and Best Airport for Leisure Amenities.

3. INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, and is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. Since 2005 it has received the full 5-star ranking by Skytrax, a recognition shared only by Hong Kong International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport. The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. The main passenger terminal (496,000 sq metres) is the largest airport terminal in area in South Korea, and the ninth largest passenger terminal in the world.

4. MUNICH AIRPORT With around 34.7 million passengers in 2010, Munich is the second-busiest passenger airport in Germany and ranks 7th among Europe's 10 leading airports. The airport has its own visitors centre and is home to the Munich Airport Centre (MAC), which is a shopping, business and recreation facility located between its 2 terminals. Munich Airport is the repeat winner of the Best Airport Europe title.

5. BEIJING CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Beijing Capital International Airport is located 20 miles northeast of Beijing's city centre. The newest Terminal 3 building is the 2nd largest airport terminal in the world, and the third largest building in the world by area. Whilst split between three terminals, passengers particularly praised the level of customer service, with the highest ratings being achieved by Terminal 3. BCIA also picked up the award for Best Airport Washrooms.

6. AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT Schiphol is an important European airport, ranking as Europe's 5th largest and the world's 15th largest by total passenger traffic, 45.3 million passengers passed through the airport in 2010. Schiphol has large shopping areas both landside and airside, Schiphol Plaza shopping centre, located before customs, is popular with both air passengers and non-travelling visitors.

7. ZURICH AIRPORT Zürich Airport is located 12 Km from downtown Zürich. The Airport is served by approximately 60 airlines and charter services flying all over the globe. It offers a large selection of shops, restaurants and services, with over 180 companies employing more than 20,000 people at the airport. The train system at Zurich Airport connects passengers to destinations all over Switzerland, making it one of the most convenient airports for travel within central Europe.

8. AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Auckland Airport is the major connection between the world and New Zealand. Over 70% of visitors enter or leave New Zealand via Auckland Airport, which handles over 13 million passengers a year. More than 20 international airlines serve the airport, Australia/ Pacific regions 2nd busiest International airport.

9. KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of Asia's major aviation hubs and is a destination in itself, located approximately 50 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. The Main Terminal Building area was designed using the concept of 'Airport in the forest, forest in the airport', in which it is surrounded by green space. KLIA can be reached by the KLIA Express and the KLIA Transit train services. KLIA Express provides a non-stop express train service to the KL City Air Terminal - the non-stop trip between Kuala Lumpur and KLIA is 57 kilometers and takes 28 minutes.

10. COPENHAGEN AIRPORT Only 12 minutes from the heart of Copenhagen. The distance from the train platform to the check-in counters is less than 100 metres. Airside, passengers have access to 50 shops, 15 restaurants and bars, conference facilities, a hotel area and a sauna.