Hamad Qatar, Changi Singapore, and London Heathrow in the UK, with a system of stores from high-end to affordable, topped the list of best airports for shoppers, according to Skytrax.
Singapore's Changi is renowned as a shopping paradise, not to be outdone by the big shopping malls. With over 300 stores spread across four terminals and the Jewel Changi area, visitors can find everything from luxury brands to local products, such as sweets and souvenirs.
Shilla Duty Free is a highlight with beauty products, cosmetics, drinks, and even spa services at Terminal 3. Whether you are a shopaholic or just looking to shop, Changi has something for everyone. Photo: Changi Airport
London Heathrow Airport, UK
Heathrow Airport in London is one of the most attractive shopping destinations in the world. Terminal 5 is considered a paradise, with a large space and a concentration of many big brands. Goods at Heathrow include duty-free goods, luxury goods, fashion and accessories, and technology products.
In addition to shopping, Heathrow also has many restaurants and food stalls from popular ones like Pret A Manger to high-end ones like Gordon Ramsay Plane Food. If you have time, visitors can also visit the art exhibition areas or VIP lounges to relax. Photo: Heathrow Express.
Charles de Gaulle Airport, France
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in the capital city of Paris has more than 280 stores. Travelers can find Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, and Buy Paris Duty Free, which sells cosmetics, perfumes, wines, and food.
For French food, La Maison du Chocolat and Ladurée in the terminals sell macarons, chocolates, cheeses, wines, and especially foie gras pate. The "Shop&Collect" service allows travelers to shop now and pick up later. Photo: Buy Paris Duty Free
Istanbul Havalimani Airport, Türkiye
Istanbul Airport is one of the major aviation hubs. The main area is the Bosphorus Zone, a modern open-air design with more than 100 shops, from affordable to high-end. The Bazaar is inspired by the famous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, where visitors can shop for Turkish handicrafts, carpets, pottery, and spices.
Istanbul Airport uses augmented reality (AR) technology through IGA Istanbul Airport, allowing visitors to preview products in stores without having to go there in person. Photo: DFNI Online
Narita Airport Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s Narita Airport is a shopping destination that combines duty-free goods and traditional Japanese products from a wide range of international brands across all three terminals.
Terminal 1 has the largest shopping area with Narita 5th Avenue and the Main Shopping Arcade, featuring high-end brands such as Hermès, Gucci, and a large duty-free store. Terminal 2 is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese neighborhood, selling crafts, food, local food, and anime merchandise. Terminal 3 is smaller, serving mainly low-cost carriers, and has convenience stores. Photo: Narita International Airport.
Dubai Airport, UAE
Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s largest and most famous duty-free shopping centres, located at the gateway to Asia and Europe. Terminal 3 is the largest shopping area, with over 200 stores.
In addition to duty-free shops, luxury brands are displayed in many stores. Dubai Airport is characterized by local products recognized worldwide, including dates, Arabian perfumes, camel chocolate, spices (saffron), handicrafts such as Persian carpets, jewelry, and Dubai Souvenirs souvenir shops. Photo: TRBusiness
Rome Fiumicino Airport, Italy
Rome Fiumicino is one of the largest airports in Europe, with a wide range of shopping options. Terminals T1 and T3, which serve mainly international and domestic flights, have the largest concentration of shops. Famous fashion brands Gucci, Prada, Hermès, Bulgari, and Salvatore Ferragamo are located mainly in the "Piazza del Lusso" (T3) area.
Travelers can buy dried mushrooms, sausages, Southern European spices, Ferrari T-shirts, Colosseum models, and handicrafts. There are also shops selling books, newspapers, and technology accessories such as headphones and power banks. Photo: Lagardere
Hong Kong Airport, Chek Lap Kok
Hong Kong Airport is a bustling shopping hub with over 220 retail outlets. The main terminal, T1, houses most of the major duty-free shops and high-end brands. T2 has the SkyPlaza shopping area, with souvenir shops and affordable fashion. The SkyPier area has several small shops serving ferry and transit passengers. The public area (landside) is home to convenience stores such as 7-Eleven.
Hong Kong Airport also offers online shopping via hkairportshop, with over 5,000 items. Travelers can pre-order and pick up their items at the airport within 90 minutes, skipping the queue. Photo: Hong Kong International Airport
Incheon Airport, South Korea
The major duty-free systems, such as Shilla Duty Free, Lotte Duty Free, and Shinsegae Duty Free, are Incheon's strong points. Here, visitors can buy perfumes, cigarettes, chocolates, and especially Korean cosmetics, including major brands such as Innisfree, Laneige, Sulwhasoo, The Face Shop, and Etude House, at cheaper prices than in the city, with many gifts. Traditional soju, ginseng, and foods such as rice cakes or packaged seaweed are very popular.
T1 and T2 are designed as high-end shopping malls, with K-beauty and Luxury Avenue areas, including a Korean Culture Street displaying hanbok and souvenirs. In addition, there are also free cosmetic testing points or skin care instructions. Smart Duty Free in T2 uses AR technology to try on jewelry or sunglasses. Photo: Shinsegae
(According to Skytrax)