Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport retained the top spot among mega airports for a second consecutive year, scoring 660 on a 1,000-point scale, according to J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Passenger satisfaction at North American airports has improved in 2025 despite record crowds and frequent delays. The report shows that terminal upgrades, better food and retail options, and easier navigation are driving higher satisfaction scores.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (649) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (634) followed in the same category. Mega airports are defined as those with 33 million or more passengers annually.
In the large airport category, John Wayne Airport in Orange County ranked highest for the second year in a row with a score of 730. Tampa International Airport (709) and Dallas Love Field (705) completed the top three.
Among medium airports, Indianapolis International Airport led the rankings for the fourth consecutive year, scoring 713. Ontario International Airport (709) and Buffalo Niagara International Airport (698) followed.
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Why passenger satisfaction is rising
Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power, said the results reflect ongoing capital improvements. “A big part of this recent increase in passenger satisfaction is due to recently completed improvements in many airport facilities themselves,” he explained. Taylor added that airports offering “unique, local flavor” in food and retail programs scored higher.
The study highlights the role of dining and retail, which improved by 14 points across all airport segments compared to last year. Passengers who described their experience as “perfect” reported spending an average of $42.39 inside the terminal, nearly $17 more than those who rated it “just OK.”
While overall satisfaction rose, some airports struggled. Newark Liberty International Airport ranked last among mega airports for the fourth straight year, with a score of 565. Philadelphia International Airport finished at the bottom of the large airport category with 570, while Canada’s Edmonton International Airport ranked lowest among medium airports with 602.
The study, now in its 20th year, is based on 30,439 surveys from U.S. and Canadian residents who travelled between July 2024 and July 2025. Passengers rated their experience across seven factors, including ease of travel, trust in airport operations, terminal facilities, staff service, and food and retail offerings.
The findings show that even as passenger volumes hit record highs, 10.4 million travellers passed through checkpoints during Labor Day weekend, airports that invest in infrastructure and local touch are seeing stronger results in customer satisfaction.
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Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (649) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (634) followed in the same category. Mega airports are defined as those with 33 million or more passengers annually.
In the large airport category, John Wayne Airport in Orange County ranked highest for the second year in a row with a score of 730. Tampa International Airport (709) and Dallas Love Field (705) completed the top three.
Among medium airports, Indianapolis International Airport led the rankings for the fourth consecutive year, scoring 713. Ontario International Airport (709) and Buffalo Niagara International Airport (698) followed.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Why passenger satisfaction is rising
Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power, said the results reflect ongoing capital improvements. “A big part of this recent increase in passenger satisfaction is due to recently completed improvements in many airport facilities themselves,” he explained. Taylor added that airports offering “unique, local flavor” in food and retail programs scored higher.
The study highlights the role of dining and retail, which improved by 14 points across all airport segments compared to last year. Passengers who described their experience as “perfect” reported spending an average of $42.39 inside the terminal, nearly $17 more than those who rated it “just OK.”
While overall satisfaction rose, some airports struggled. Newark Liberty International Airport ranked last among mega airports for the fourth straight year, with a score of 565. Philadelphia International Airport finished at the bottom of the large airport category with 570, while Canada’s Edmonton International Airport ranked lowest among medium airports with 602.
The study, now in its 20th year, is based on 30,439 surveys from U.S. and Canadian residents who travelled between July 2024 and July 2025. Passengers rated their experience across seven factors, including ease of travel, trust in airport operations, terminal facilities, staff service, and food and retail offerings.
The findings show that even as passenger volumes hit record highs, 10.4 million travellers passed through checkpoints during Labor Day weekend, airports that invest in infrastructure and local touch are seeing stronger results in customer satisfaction.
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