Heathrow named World’s Best Airport for Shopping at 2026 Skytrax Awards

London Heathrow Airport has been named the world’s best airport for shopping at the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards, based entirely on passenger votes collected through the global Airport Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

The airport also climbed six places in the overall ranking of the World’s Best Airports, reaching 16th position, marking a significant improvement and reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience.

Skytrax evaluates more than 550 airports worldwide, with results determined exclusively by traveller feedback. Heathrow topped the shopping category ahead of major global hubs such as Singapore Changi and Doha Hamad.

With over 57,000 square metres of retail space, Heathrow offers more than 300 shops and restaurants, featuring a mix of premium British and international brands including Burberry, Harrods, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Lululemon. The airport’s retail offering spans luxury, lifestyle and high-street segments, catering to a wide range of passenger needs.

Popular purchases at Heathrow include fragrances, whisky, confectionery and small leather goods. According to the airport, a bottle of perfume is sold every 20 seconds, while whisky sales occur every 30 seconds. During peak periods such as December, duty-free transactions can occur as frequently as every five seconds.

The recognition highlights the success of Heathrow’s retail strategy, built around four pillars: Digital, Experience, Space and Offer (DESO), aimed at enhancing both physical and digital shopping experiences despite high passenger volumes and limited terminal space.

Heathrow officials said the award reflects the airport’s continued focus on meeting passenger expectations and delivering a high-quality retail environment.