Long before takeoff, plenty of people feel holiday tension creeping in. Lines that stretch forever, flights stuck on the tarmac, confusing directions, scarce dining choices - these issues drain joy from what should be adventure. Trouble emerges not just once but repeatedly at certain hubs, according to fresh data from Airhelp revealing the worst airports. What stands out is how consistently some terminals fail basic expectations.
Beginning its assessment in early 2025, Airhelp examined 279 airports spread through 76 nations. Data covered flights between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. Passenger feedback - drawn from around 14,300 evaluations across close to 70 countries - was folded into the analysis. On time performance weighs most heavily, responsible for 60% of each airport's mark. Meanwhile, aspects tied to traveler satisfaction - such as how long people wait, how clean spaces feel, and whether signs are clear - contribute one-fifth of the outcome. Facilities influencing ease and relaxation - including dining options, shops, and general atmosphere - round out the last fifth.
Scattered across the map, lower scores cluster in parts of Asia and North Africa. At the rear stands Tunis-Carthage Airport, weighed down by a mere 5.50 rating. Every measure dragged the total downward.
The 10 Worst Airports in the World
- Tunis-Carthage (Tunisia)
This airport landed at the bottom, rated 5.50, showing clear weaknesses across on-time performance, traveler comfort, while also falling short in amenities.
- Allama Iqbal Airport Lahore (Pakistan)
Appearing in the list for the very first time, it landed near the bottom - just one position above the lowest worldwide.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
A key hub in Vietnam - and frequently used by tourists - scored poorly on most measures.
- Hurghada (Egypt)
Among vacation spots, one airport stood out - not for convenience, but for falling short on basic ease. Travelers expected more, yet found little relief in seating or services. Instead of smooth passage, delays grew longer without clear updates. Restrooms lacked upkeep, affecting daily use. What seemed like a gateway turned into a bottleneck, leaving many frustrated mid-journey.
- Islamabad (Pakistan)
Besides the first, another Pakistani airport lands in the lowest tenth - revealing ongoing regional struggles. Though performance varies, infrastructure gaps persist across transport hubs. Where service should improve, delays and limitations still appear common. Instead of progress, setbacks mark recent reports. Despite attention, conditions remain difficult at key entry points.
- Lisbon (Portugal)
Surprisingly low results at one European hub, even though most others meet stronger benchmarks across the region.
- Hanoi Noi Bai (Vietnam)
Vietnam sees three of its main air hubs land among the ten worst airports globally, pointing to common problems across key entry points.
- Da Nang (Vietnam)
A third spot in Vietnam saw low scores, influencing visitor numbers along with local flight schedules.
- Rhodes Diagoras (Greece)
Though serving as a main gateway for travelers to the well-known Greek island, performance fell short of anticipated levels.
- Barbados Grantley Adams Airport (Barbados)
A single Caribbean airport appears among the lowest ten, suggesting difficulties persist despite heavy tourist traffic in warm coastal regions.
