Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has been recognised as the top airport in terms of passenger satisfaction for the third consecutive year, as revealed by the latest North America Airport Satisfaction Study conducted by JD Power. Released on September 16, the annual study ranks airports based on a variety of factors influencing the travel experience.
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The report categorises airports into three sizes: mega, large, and medium, with Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) earning the top spot among mega airports. It achieved an impressive score of 684 out of a possible 1,000, highlighting its commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience. Following MSP, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) secured second and third place respectively, with scores of 663 and 642.
Passenger satisfaction is assessed across seven core dimensions, with “ease of travel through the airport” being the most crucial factor. The other dimensions examined include the level of trust in the airport, terminal facilities, airport staff, overall travel experience to and from the airport, as well as food, beverage, and retail options. This comprehensive approach allows JD Power to paint a detailed picture of the overall airport experience from a passenger’s perspective.
In addition to MSP’s success, Tampa International Airport (TPA) emerged as the leader in the large airport category, achieving a score of 715. Meanwhile, Charleston International Airport (CHS) stood out in the medium airport category, scoring 712. These results underpin a wider trend of increasing passenger satisfaction at airports across North America, despite soaring passenger volumes. The ongoing rise in satisfaction is mainly attributed to the completion of several significant airport improvement projects.
The study reflects a significant shift towards higher passenger satisfaction levels in North America. JD Power reported that overall contentment with airport facilities has risen, even with passenger numbers approaching record highs set in 2025. The company notes that many airports have benefitted from extensive capital improvement projects, which have finally come to fruition, enhancing the overall travel experience for millions.
For the 2026 report, JD Power gathered insights from a substantial pool of participants, with over 24,700 surveys completed by residents of the U.S. or Canada. The surveys took place between July 2025 and July 2026, during which passengers evaluated their overall experiences at either departing or arriving airports for their round-trips. This robust data collection process ensures that the findings reflect a comprehensive view of passenger experiences.
As airport operations have evolved over the past few years, the importance of customer satisfaction has become increasingly evident. With rising demands on infrastructure, airports are tasked with maintaining high standards, not just to attract travellers but also to ensure their comfort and confidence while travelling.
For those interested in the detailed breakdown of the study, the full JD Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study is available online, providing a wealth of information for both airport authorities and the travelling public. The continued emphasis on improving passenger experiences suggests that airport satisfaction will remain a critical focus in the years ahead.
Overall, the results of this year’s study showcase not only the success of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport but also highlight the ongoing commitment of airports across North America to enhance the travel experience in an evolving industry landscape.