The latest Skytrax Airport Awards have been announced, with Singapore dominating the event, taking out several honours across a broad range of categories.

Opened in 2008, the island state’s airport is the world’s largest and most expensive terminal, reflecting the high quality of living standards and services that characterise the city. Airline industry analysts claim that the continued recognition will reinforce Singapore’s standing as a Southeast Asian regional travel hub – despite the rapidly rising competition from budget carrier Air Asia which is based in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore’s Changi airport was voted Best Asian Airport, World’s Best Airport, Best Airport Leisure Facilities and overall Airport of the Year by the Skytrax panel. The Skytrax airport awards are based on passenger surveys across 9.8 million regular air travellers, and are considered to be amongst the industry’s most prestigious recognitions.

Asian airports dominated the top positions, with Seoul Incheon placing second ahead of Hong Kong. Kuala Lumpur came in fifth, with Munich breaking the regional dominance in fourth place. The remainder of the top ten was rounded out by Zurich, Amsterdam, Beijing, Auckland and Bangkok respectively – a testament to the newer, more efficient Asian buildings, where large-scale air has only recently taken off.

The United States did not feature at all in the top 20, a reflection of its transit status in the eyes of the public, while traditional tourist hot spot Australia only made it to 18^th place with Brisbane Airport. The UK fared even poorer, with London Heathrow being named the world’s worst airport despite winning accolades for its excellent shopping.