This year’s Skytrax World Airport awards results highlighted the increasing adoption of automated cleaning technologies, sustainable hygiene practices, and passenger-centric facility management in airports around the world. The Tokyo Haneda Airport which once again had been recognised as the world’s cleanest airport in the Major Airports category, reaffirmed Japan’s leadership in airport cleanliness and hygiene management.
The Skytrax World Airport Survey, conducted over a 20-year period from August 2004 to February 2025, gathered input from travellers representing over 100 nationalities. Passengers rated airports on the cleanliness of terminal floors, public seating, washrooms, signage, smoking policies, and overall hygiene standards across public areas.
According to the latest rankings announced by Skytrax, for the awards based on comprehensive passenger surveys, in the
category of airports handling up to 25 million passengers annually, Bahrain International Airport secured the top position. This highlighted the rising global standards in facility hygiene, especially in smaller international hubs.
The Tokyo Haneda Airport, handling over 85 million passengers annually, employs dedicated cleaning teams that work around the clock, uses UV sanitising robots to disinfect areas after midnight, and operates advanced air filtration systems to maintain high indoor air quality.
Even the smallest features — such as toilet seats that gently bow upon approach — reflect the Japanese emphasis on respect and hygiene. Specialised flooring materials that resist staining and intelligent restrooms with automatic fittings contribute to its world-leading cleanliness standards.
Changi Airport in Singapore, known for its architectural grandeur and indoor gardens, ranks second in the 2025 list. With over 500 cleaning staff, the airport incorporates automation with autonomous scrubbing machines, particularly during off-peak hours.
One of its standout innovations is a centralised vacuum waste management system that eliminates manual waste handling and reduces the risk of contamination. With expansion plans underway, Changi’s passenger capacity is set to grow from 90 million to 140 million annually by 2030.
Hamad International Airport in Qatar which secured the third position, has a rigorous approach to cleanliness in a desert climate. The cleaning operations are organised by specific zones, ensuring consistent hygiene across the entire 845,000sqm complex. The airport uses biodegradable cleaning agents, water-saving systems, and follows dedicated protocols for maintaining its vast art installations.
Top ten cleanest major airports 2025
1. Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan
2. Changi Airport, Singapore
3. Hamad International Airport, Qatar
4. Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea
5. Hong Kong International Airport
6. Centrair Nagoya Airport, Japan
7. Tokyo Narita International Airport, Japan
8. Kansai International Airport, Japan
9. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei
10. Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Top ten cleanest airports (up to 25 million passengers)
1. Bahrain International Airport, Bahrain
2. New Chitose Airport, Japan
3. Centrair Nagoya Airport, Japan
4. Osaka Itami Airport, Japan
5. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland
6. Adelaide Airport, Australia
7. Cam Ranh International Airport, Vietnam
8. Quito International Airport, Ecuador
9. Houston Hobby Airport, United States
10. Brisbane Airport, Australia