It’s 4 AM. You’re bleary-eyed, clutching your suitcase, and running on three hours of sleep. You can barely find your boarding pass, and your coffee breath could wake the dead. You expect a weary sigh from airport staff—but instead, you’re greeted by a warm smile and genuine assistance that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a parallel universe where customer service still reigns supreme.

Welcome to the Skytrax Awards for Best Airport Staff, where friendliness isn’t just a checkbox on a training form—it’s a deeply practiced craft. Every year, Skytrax honors the airports where staff go above and beyond, blending speed and efficiency with sincere human care.

Here are the top 10 airports in 2025 where service isn’t just professional—it’s personal:

1. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea

Topping the list, Incheon’s staff are celebrated for their kindness and attentiveness. With a focus on emotional intelligence and multilingual support, their cultural ambassadors are always ready to assist, making travelers feel truly welcome.

2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore

Changi’s team is known worldwide for balancing flawless operations with heartfelt empathy. Whether it’s helping before you even ask or calming nerves during delays, their commitment to comfort is unmatched.

3. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong

HKG staff excel in bridging cultures with multilingual skills and sharp intuition. Their proactive support ensures no traveler feels lost—even when language fails.

4. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan

At Haneda, staff live out the Japanese ethos of omotenashi—anticipating and fulfilling needs with grace. Their quiet attentiveness ensures every guest feels seen and supported.

5. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan

Narita offers a gentle blend of efficiency and courtesy. Whether offering guidance or cultural tips, their team is patient, precise, and proud to share the spirit of Japan.

6. Centrair Nagoya International Airport (NGO), Japan

Centrair’s staff are known for building warm, human connections. From cheerful chats to seamless security processes, they ensure a positive impression from start to finish.

7. Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), China

Friendly and approachable, Haikou staff reflect the relaxed atmosphere of Hainan Island. Always ready with local advice and multilingual help, they make every traveler feel like a guest.

8. Vienna International Airport (VIE), Austria

At Vienna, staff combine clockwork efficiency with Central European warmth. Their clear communication and polished service keep things moving—and make travelers feel truly cared for.

9. Munich Airport (MUC), Germany

With typical Bavarian hospitality, Munich’s staff turn even travel troubles into pleasant exchanges. Their friendliness shines, whether they’re solving problems or guiding you through security.

10. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy

In Rome, staff bring the heart of Italy to the airport. Passionate and personable, they go out of their way to make travelers feel at home—with a warm “benvenuto” and maybe a few local tips.

The Bottom Line:

In a travel world dominated by kiosks and automation, these airports remind us that true hospitality is timeless. The smiles, the helpfulness, the calm in chaos—it’s the human touch that transforms a journey from stressful to soulful. So, when you find yourself at one of these airports, take a moment to thank the people who make your travel experience not just smooth—but unforgettable.

Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has set an ambitious target to deliver 100 commercial aircraft annually by 2028, a milestone the company last reached in 2017, CEO Francisco Gomes Neto told Reuters. While the manufacturer has steadily increased deliveries since 2021 as part of its recovery from the pandemic-induced aviation crisis, persistent supply chain issues are expected to delay hitting the 100-unit mark until 2028.

The company forecasts delivering between 77 and 85 commercial jets in 2025, up from 73 in 2024, reflecting a roughly 10% year-on-year increase. Gomes Neto emphasized that 2026 will remain a challenging year production-wise due to ongoing bottlenecks, but he projects strong growth resuming in 2027, with 2028 marking the return to triple-digit deliveries.

Embraer continues to grapple with supply disruptions, including delays in fuselage parts sourced from Europe and GE Aerospace engines for its first-generation E1 jets. The situation has improved compared to last year’s engine supply delays for the next-generation E2 jets, yet the supply chain remains vulnerable.

Despite these obstacles, Embraer’s backlog of orders is solid and production slots are nearly fully booked through 2026 and 2027, extending partially into 2028. The recent firm order of 50 E195-E2 jets from U.S.-based low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines, marking Embraer's first U.S. deal for E2 jets, highlights robust demand. The company also secured orders earlier in 2025 from Japan’s ANA, Scandinavian Airlines SAS, and U.S. regional carrier SkyWest for a mix of E2 and E1 models.

Looking ahead, Gomes Neto noted that further E2 orders may be announced before year-end as multiple sales campaigns proceed, though new sales for the E1 fleet—which primarily serves the U.S. market—are not expected in 2025.

Regarding manufacturing strategy, Embraer currently assembles both E1 and E2 aircraft at its Sao Jose dos Campos plant in Brazil. Despite the U.S. imposing a 10% tariff on Brazilian-built aircraft, the company is not planning to establish a U.S. assembly line for E2 jets at this stage. Any consideration for a second assembly facility closer to major buyers would depend on a significant surge in orders, which is not yet evident.

“We prefer to present Embraer’s overall business case,” Gomes Neto explained, highlighting plans to purchase $21 billion from U.S. suppliers over the next five years while exporting $13 billion. He cautioned that establishing a new line would require substantial investment and risk increasing costs, potentially making the aircraft less competitive.

Embraer also maintains assembly lines for some executive jets in Florida and has proposed a $500 million U.S. production line for its C-390 military cargo aircraft, contingent on U.S. government procurement decisions.

Analysts view Embraer’s delivery target as ambitious but achievable if supply chain pressures ease and demand continues to grow, especially for regional jets that address evolving air travel needs. The company’s resilience in navigating post-pandemic recovery and maintaining a robust order book underscores its position as the world’s third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer.

flydubai has announced a new strategic interline agreement with Romania’s national carrier, TAROM, expanding travel options by providing passengers seamless access to 15 destinations across TAROM’s network via Bucharest International Airport (OTP). This partnership enables flydubai customers to enjoy simplified travel itineraries, single-ticket bookings, and through-check-in of baggage to their final destination, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

Through the agreement, travelers flying between the UAE and Romania can now easily connect to key destinations within TAROM’s domestic and international network. These include major European cities such as Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cluj-Napoca, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris, among others. This development supports greater trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Dubai and Eastern and Central Europe.

flydubai operates double daily flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and will be adding Iași as its second Romanian destination starting from 19 September 2025. The airline has steadily grown its presence in Romania since launching flights to Bucharest in 2012, responding to rising passenger demand.

The partnership not only broadens flydubai’s network but also reinforces Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub by linking the UAE to a wider range of European destinations through efficient connections with TAROM. Business Class passengers on flydubai enjoy lie-flat seats, international cuisine, and immersive entertainment, while Economy Class travelers benefit from comfortable reclined seats with adjustable leather headrests.

With a fleet of 93 modern Boeing 737 aircraft, flydubai serves over 135 destinations in 57 countries, having launched more than 100 previously underserved routes, demonstrating its commitment to expanding global connectivity and passenger choice.

TAROM's network, reachable through this agreement, includes approximately 28 destinations across 22 countries, covering vital European cities and regional hubs, making it a strategic partner for flydubai’s continued expansion into Eastern and Central Europe.

Overall, the strategic interline agreement between flydubai and TAROM offers travelers greater flexibility, convenience, and choice, allowing seamless access between the UAE, Romania, and many prominent European destinations. This collaboration is expected to boost business and leisure travel, supporting economic ties and tourism growth in the region.

Hong Kong is increasing its Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) for the first time in 22 years, effective October 1, 2025. The tax will rise from HK$120 (approximately $15) to HK$200 (about $25), a 67% increase. This tax applies to passengers aged 12 and above departing by air from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The increase was enacted through the Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed by the Legislative Council in May 2025. The government anticipates that the hike will generate around HK$1.6 billion in annual revenue.

To maintain Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international aviation hub, exemptions to the tax have been expanded. Previously, direct transit or connecting flight passengers who remained airside and those who arrived and departed on the same day were exempt. From October 1, 2025, new exemptions will include:

• Passengers who arrive and depart by aircraft within 48 hours.
• Passengers arriving by land or sea and departing by aircraft within 48 hours.

Passengers eligible under these new exemptions will still be charged the tax as part of their ticket but can claim a refund through a forthcoming online portal managed by the airport. This refund mechanism aims to encourage more transfer passengers, especially from the Greater Bay Area, enhancing HKIA’s role as a regional hub.

The APDT is typically absorbed into the price of the flight ticket, so passengers may not notice a significant fare difference when booking. Tickets purchased before October 1, 2025, will not be affected by the increased tax.

While some officials worry the increase could impact Hong Kong's attractiveness compared to regional competitors, others view the hike as reasonable and necessary for government revenue and airport infrastructure support.

Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has taken a major step in its long-term fleet renewal by signing an agreement valued up to USD 4.6 billion with Boeing to acquire 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Powered by GE Aerospace engines, the new aircraft will enhance Gulf Air’s operational efficiency, sustainability efforts, and passenger comfort.

The deal was formalized during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Washington D.C., symbolizing the strengthening economic and commercial ties between Bahrain and the United States.

Khalid Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group, emphasized the significance of the acquisition: “Adding 18 additional 787 Dreamliners an aircraft highly appreciated by our customers increases our passenger capacity by over 20%, marking a crucial milestone in our growth and modernization journey. This also aligns with our strategy to deliver a more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and passenger-focused travel experience. 

Partnering with Boeing and GE Aerospace, global leaders in aviation innovation, affirms our confidence in advancing Gulf Air’s future. This collaboration also highlights the strong and enduring partnership between Bahrain and the USA.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is celebrated worldwide for its fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and superior passenger experience. It will play a central role in supporting Gulf Air’s long-haul operations, route expansion, and sustainability initiatives.

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented, “We are proud to deepen our more than six-decade partnership with Gulf Air by delivering the 787 Dreamliner. This investment underscores Gulf Air’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth, strengthening Bahrain’s status in the global aviation industry.”

In conjunction with the aircraft order, Gulf Air and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workshop capabilities in Bahrain. This initiative, still in its early stages, aims to localize MRO operations, develop local aviation talent, create jobs, and bring world-class services aligned with the latest technologies.

This strategic partnership further reinforces Gulf Air’s ambition to position Bahrain as a key aviation hub in the region, contributing to the Kingdom’s goals for economic diversification and enhanced global connectivity.

Etihad Airways has delivered its best-ever half-year results in the first six months of 2025, reporting record profitability, passenger numbers, and network expansion. The airline’s performance reflects sustained momentum in operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and ambitious growth plans.

Profit after tax surged 32 percent year-on-year to AED 1.1 billion (U.S.$306 million), supported by robust customer demand, productivity gains, and improved yields across passenger and cargo operations. Total revenue increased 16 percent to AED 13.5 billion (U.S.$3.7 billion), with passenger revenue rising 16 percent and cargo revenue growing 9 percent. EBITDA rose 24 percent to AED 2.7 billion (U.S.$739 million), with an improved margin of 20 percent.

Passenger traffic climbed 17 percent to 10.2 million in H1 2025, driven by a 14 percent increase in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) and a passenger load factor of 87 percent (+2 percentage points). In early July, Etihad celebrated a milestone of carrying 20 million passengers over a rolling 12-month period—doubling the figure from 2022—and establishing itself as the fastest-growing carrier in the region.

Etihad’s operating fleet surpassed 100 aircraft, boosted by deliveries including its sixth Airbus A350 in April and the return of a seventh A380 in May. In July, the airline took delivery of five new planes, including its first A321LR, marking the largest monthly fleet expansion to date. The new A321LR, featuring First Class suites and lie-flat Business seats on medium-haul routes, launched service in early August with a flight to Phuket.

The airline’s network now serves nearly 90 destinations, including year-round and seasonal services, with 27 new routes launched or announced in 2025 alone. This expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a major global hub.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said, “With 27 new destinations launched or announced this year alone, Etihad is proud to help position Abu Dhabi as one of the most accessible and connected cities in the world. This growth enhances point-to-point and stopover options and solidifies Abu Dhabi's role as a gateway for millions of travellers.”

Customer satisfaction improved across airport services, onboard experience, and digital platforms. Etihad maintained stable unit costs while raising service quality, with its First Class Net Promoter Score holding steady at 80—the airline’s highest ever and a best-in-class benchmark.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad CEO, expressed pride in the airline’s strong performance: “Our results demonstrate the success of our strategy and the dedication of our team. We are expanding sustainably, investing in premium experiences, and attracting record numbers of visitors to Abu Dhabi. With new aircraft, new routes, and flourishing premium offerings, Etihad is setting new standards in aviation.”

The airline also welcomed over 1,700 new employees in the first half of 2025, including more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew. Internal promotions exceeded 1,100, reflecting strong career growth and industry-leading employee engagement.
Neves added, “I want to thank our employees for their outstanding contribution and our customers who continue to choose Etihad. We look forward to welcoming even more of you onboard in the months ahead.”

Key Highlights:

• Profit after tax: AED 1.1 billion (U.S.$306 million), +32% year-on-year
• EBITDA: AED 2.7 billion (U.S.$739 million), +24%, with 20% margin
• Total revenue: AED 13.5 billion (U.S.$3.7 billion), +16%
• Passenger numbers: 10.2 million, +17%
• Passenger load factor: 87%, +2 percentage points
• Available Seat Kilometres (ASK): +14%
• Operating fleet: 100+ aircraft, including 5 deliveries in July
• Network: nearly 90 destinations, 27 new routes launched or announced in 2025
• Customer satisfaction and First Class NPS at record levels
• Over 1,700 new hires and 1,100+ internal promotions

Etihad’s record half-year performance highlights its growing footprint, operational excellence, and unwavering customer focus as it continues to expand its global presence and elevate the travel experience from Abu Dhabi.