Minneapolis‑St. Paul International Airport has been crowned the best mega‑airport in North America for the third consecutive year, according to the 2026 rankings released by J.D. Power. The airport earned a score of 684 out of 1,000, edging out Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (663) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (642).
Why Minneapolis Stands Out
Travel‑industry analyst Gary Leff, author of the blog “View From the Wing,” praised the airport’s blend of convenience and amenities. “Minneapolis does a lot of things well,” Leff said. “Connecting passengers have plenty of amenities without having to leave security, and local travelers benefit from an airport that’s relatively close to both downtowns, with light‑rail access.” While he noted that some gates require longer walks, he added that the experience remains manageable.
Comparisons with Coastal Hubs
Despite the high profile of New York’s LaGuardia and Los Angeles International, both airports fell short of the top spot. Leff observed that LaGuardia’s new Central Terminal, though beautiful, remains “relatively difficult to get through.” The rankings underscore the importance of clear signage, easy navigation, and efficient passenger flow—areas where the Midwest hub excels.
Other Top Performers
In the large‑airport category, Tampa International Airport led with a score of 715, followed by Portland International (708) and Dallas Love Field (698). Charleston International Airport topped the medium‑airport group with 712 points, ahead of Ontario International (705) and Indianapolis International (695). Leff highlighted Charleston’s modest size as a factor that makes it easy to navigate.
J.D. Power’s Assessment
Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power, said the rankings reflect the payoff of recent multi‑year capital improvement projects. “On the whole, those efforts are finally starting to pay off in the form of higher overall passenger satisfaction scores,” he said in a statement.
What the Study Measures
The North America Airport Satisfaction Study, now in its 21st year, surveyed 24,710 U.S. and Canadian travelers who had used at least one airport in the past year. The survey evaluates seven areas: ease of travel through the airport, trust in the airport, terminal facilities, airport staff, the departure or trip‑to‑airport experience, food, beverage and retail, and the arrival or trip‑from‑airport experience.
J.D. Power defines mega airports as those handling at least 33 million passengers annually, large airports as 10 million to 32.9 million, and medium airports as 4.5 million to 9.9 million.
Implications for Travelers
Leff cautioned travelers not to be swayed solely by upscale renovations. “An airport’s purpose is to get you through quickly and efficiently,” he said. “The best airports are the ones that help you do exactly that.” With its strong scores in navigation, amenities, and overall satisfaction, Minneapolis‑St. Paul International Airport sets a benchmark for other hubs seeking to improve the passenger experience.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
