Top Airports for International Business Travel

As borders reopen and travel restrictions dwindle, international corporate travel is slowly returning. That said, policies and protocols concerning vaccination status and pre-travel testing still vary widely across the globe, so proper planning is still imperative. 

With COVID-19 regulations constantly in flux, airports are consistently adapting to remain in compliance with local laws and regulations. These changes will undoubtedly augment your experience when traveling—but some airports have gone the extra mile to make your travels as seamless as possible. 

On-time arrival and departure reliability, business lounge amenities, on-site hotel rates, and airport location are all important factors to consider when deciding which airport you should utilize when multiple airport options are available. 

Business travel can be stressful, meetings can be high-stakes, and some conferences simply can’t be missed. A successful business trip starts with selecting your origin and destination airports—below are a handful of the best international facilities in the world. 

The Best International Airports for Business Travelers

Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

Hailed as one of the first airports to rank as the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax for eight consecutive years, Singapore Changi has also claimed the title of the world’s cleanest. Since its grand opening, SIN has won over 600 awards for maintaining its high standard of quality, service, and flight reliability. Located only fifteen miles from Downtown Core, its convenient location makes it a highly-favorable airport for long-haul layovers. 

Like Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal at the Frankfurt Airport, SIN offers luxury travelers a private terminal, JetQuay CIP, which provides separate check-in, luggage handling, and immigration clearance services. This is an excellent amenity for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the airport’s public sections. In addition, terminals 3, 4, and 5 are known for their architectural design, natural elements, and endless foliage, including a Butterfly, Orchid, Cactus, Sunflower, and Sculptural Tree Garden.

The terminals are loaded with great amenities, including lounges, business centers, spas, prayer rooms, a gym, a swimming pool, and dry cleaning services. In particular, the Qantas Club offers private workstations, Apple computers, showers, and a full bar, while the Marhaba Lounge provides a full cold and hot buffet, showers, and premium WiFi. 

SIN is one of the most sleep-friendly airports in the world, offering multiple ‘Snooze Lounges,’ sleeping pods, and on-site hotels. YotelAir and the Crowne Plaza are great options for a whole night’s rest, with rates ranging between $100 and $250 per night.

London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom

Of the six major airports serving the capital, LHR is the largest. Only fifteen miles from central London, it’s surrounded by several primarily residential towns. In 2017, of the 80 million total passengers, 94% were international travelers. 

New York is the airport’s busiest single destination, with many travelers on the JFK-LHR route flying for business. In 2020, the airport reported 82.6% of departures and arrivals as on time. 

Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the whole airport, in addition to multiple pay-per-use and membership-only lounges. The United Club is one of several Star Alliance lounges, offering members complimentary cocktails, shower suites, and a quiet place to sit back and relax. 

In addition, Virgin Atlantic and Delta One both offer exclusive access to LHR’s Upper Class Wing and its Clubhouse. A private security channel is available to avoid the long queues and get you to your destination in no time. 

For those looking for a last-minute trim, the Bradley Smith Hair Express Bar provides a range of hair services for men and women. Several spas are also available in multiple terminals, including the Be Relax Spa and the spa services within the lounges. This is exceptionally convenient for corporate travelers looking to get in pristine shape before meeting first-time clients. 

When overnight layovers are part of the itinerary, or you need a good night's sleep, three hotels are onsite. Between the five-star Sofitel, the Premier Inn, and the Hilton London Heathrow Airport, the rates average between $75-$250/night.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris

Only fourteen miles from Paris, Charles de Gaulle, known as Roissy Airport, is the city’s largest international airport. After Heathrow, it’s the second busiest airport in Europe, serving almost 80 million passengers annually. As of 2017, CDG hosts the largest number of airlines worldwide and offers direct flights to more countries than any other airport. 

Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the entire airport, alongside the lounges’ premium WiFi amenities. The American Airlines Admirals Club is one of the best places to relax after racing between terminals. It provides a continental breakfast, a full bar, and a workstation that offers printing and photocopying services for any last-minute needs. 

To catch up on sleep, a transit hotel is available onsite, along with several full-service hotels that can be easily accessed via a complimentary shuttle or the CDGVAL train. The Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel, and the CitizenM are some ideal options for a comfortable overnight stay without having to leave the airport.

Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

Located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world’s largest trans-shipment centers. It is the busiest cargo gateway in the world, and houses one of the world’s largest passenger terminals. 

Exceptionally accommodating for those on corporate trips, the Hong Kong Business Aviation Center is a private FBO separate from the public terminals. It provides executive passengers and private jet travelers with a quiet lounge, showers, baggage handling, and business center amenities. 

A rapid-speed rail link and ferry are two options for reliable transit between the airport and the city. While exploring Macau during a layover may sound enticing, HGK is famous for its in-airport amenities and entertainment options. A Wellness Spa & Salon is available for any pre-meeting anxiety that could use some massaging. If you’ve got time to kill, the airport is home to the largest IMAX screen in Hong Kong! 

Whether you need a power nap in one of the many sleep pods or an overnight stay is ahead, the Regal Airport Hotel is connected to Terminal 1 and can be reached via airport shuttle. Short-term sleep cabins are also an option and can be found throughout several terminals.

Dubai International Airport, Dubai

This is the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, handling over 85 million passengers annually and close to 3 million tonnes of cargo. Located only three miles from the city’s business district, it is home to the world’s largest passenger terminal: Terminal 3. In addition, as part of Dubai’s initiative to reduce its carbon footprint by 30%, DXB installed the most extensive solar energy system in the region. 

The airport is loaded with exclusive lounges with a host of luxury amenities catering to business travelers. For example, the DXB Business Class Lounge offers complimentary premier dining and drinking, workstations, high-speed WiFi, and a quiet area for private calls and meetings.  

The Health Club provides a sauna, steam room, gym, and pool for business travelers looking to indulge in self-care before arriving at their final destination. Multiple spas can also be found throughout all terminals, featuring massage services, aromatherapy, and body scrubs. 

Several sleep zones are available as DXB is known to be a central transit hub with many long-haul layovers. Igloo-style pods and cabins can be rented for short-term power naps at the Sleep n’ Fly Lounge, along with Snooze Cube, which provides soundproof rooms, beds, WiFi, and television. In addition, the Dubai International Hotel and the Premier Inn Dubai International are available hotels on-site with rates ranging between $100-$250 per night.

If you're traveling within the borders of the country, read more here for our guide on The Top Airports for Domestic Travel.