Based on a survey of air passengers, we have ranked the most stressful airports in the world, which caused them the most difficulties when travelling in 2023. Find out more about which European airports are the most difficult to travel to for Easter in 2024

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Easter is one of those holidays when airports become particularly busy. With the increase in passenger traffic, there is a risk of flights being cancelled or delayed due to the extraordinary load. To avoid such troubles, you should avoid the most crowded airports. 

The recent VisaGuide.World ranking of the world's busiest airports is based on a survey of 1,642 air passengers from around the world. According to the study, 5 European airports were ranked in the top ten, which indicates a great need to improve the efficiency of passenger service. Two of them are located in the UK, one in Turkey, one in Germany, and the last one in Italy.

This rating is a useful tool for travellers as it allows them to choose less busy airports, reducing the likelihood of stress and delays in their journey. For a comfortable and safe Easter holiday, we recommend using this rating as an additional source of information when planning your future travels.

London Gatwick Airport, UK

Number of passengers in 2023: 32.8 million

London Gatwick Airport, the second largest in the United Kingdom, has become the most stressful airport for passengers worldwide. Dionne Plana, Global Travel Trends Analyst at VisaGuide, explained that the small size of Gatwick Airport compared to the large number of passengers leads to crowding and frequent flight delays, making it the most stressful airport in the world.

Although the other three airports on this list have higher passenger densities, Gatwick is ranked first because of its very high delay rates. It is also the furthest airport from the city centre. Passengers travelling through this airport are particularly stressed during the summer season and year-end holidays.

Istanbul Airport, Turkey

Number of passengers in 2023: 64.2 million

With more than 64 million passengers in 2022, Istanbul Airport has become the busiest airport in Europe and is ranked 7th in the world in terms of passenger traffic. Travellers say that they often experience problems navigating the airport due to its sheer size.

This analysis allows travellers to make an informed decision about the choice of airport and route planning, which helps to reduce the level of stress and trouble during the trip. It is advisable to take into account the peculiarities of Istanbul Airport when planning your travels, especially during periods of high passenger traffic.

Munich Airport, Germany

Number of passengers in 2023: 31.6 million

In 2023, Munich Airport handled more than 31 million passengers, less than half of Istanbul's passenger traffic. However, Munich's airport is five times smaller than Istanbul's. 

Another reason why Munich airport is considered one of the most stressful is the high frequency of flight delays, which is 49.20%. This can lead to inconvenience for passengers, especially those who have to make connections or have limited time to catch their next flight. Such negative aspects can affect the overall travel experience and cause stress for passengers.

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Heathrow Airport, UK

Number of passengers in 2023: 61.6 million

Heathrow Airport, which is London's largest and main airport, welcomed over 61.6 million travellers in 2023. While this figure represents a huge amount of passenger traffic, Heathrow's flight delay rate is 40.5%, 0.6% less than rival Gatwick.

For many travellers, delays can be quite stressful, especially when there are urgent flights or connections. You should take this aspect into account when planning your route and choosing an airport for your trip. It may be worthwhile to choose an airport with a lower delay frequency if possible to reduce the risk of unforeseen problems during your trip.

Although Heathrow is an important transport hub and is often chosen by passengers for its location and convenience, delays can affect the overall travel experience.

Fiumicino International Airport, Italy

Passenger numbers in 2023: 29.3 million

Among the five European airports, Fiumicino International Airport is the second largest. Although it has a significant volume than other European airports, the number of passengers served is somewhat lower, resulting in a lower passenger density compared to other locations. 

In addition, the flight delay rate at Fiumicino International Airport is 28.8%. This can be an important factor for passengers planning their travels, as a high delay rate can lead to unforeseen obstacles and inconveniences. Passengers can take this aspect into account when planning their itineraries and choosing their departure and arrival airports, particularly at Fiumicino International Airport.

Last December, the World's Most Stressful Airports ranking was published, which assesses the level of stress at the world's 30 largest airports, taking into account various factors. This ranking was based on a survey of 1,642 air passengers from 53 different countries, each of whom made at least two international trips in 2023.

In general, the factors that cause the most stress for travellers include the large number of passengers, the size of the airport, crowds, flight delays, and the distance to the nearest city. These aspects can have a significant impact on the overall travel experience and cause additional stress for travellers.

The rating provides useful information for those planning their routes and choosing airports for departure and arrival. Knowing the stress levels at different airports helps travellers make more informed decisions and make their journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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