Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Tops Mega Airport Rankings
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has claimed the top spot among North America’s largest aviation hubs for the third consecutive year, outpacing prominent coastal facilities serving New York and Los Angeles according to the 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study released by J.D. Power. The airport secured a score of 684 on the organization’s 1,000-point scale, beating out Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport at 663 points and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 642 points in the mega airport category, defined as hubs serving at least 33 million passengers annually.
Travel industry experts attribute the Midwestern hub’s consistent performance to practical infrastructure design. Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," told Fox News Digital that the facility offers extensive amenities for connecting passengers within the secure perimeter alongside efficient light rail transit connecting local travelers to both downtown areas relatively quickly. While passengers may encounter extended walks between gates, the layout remains manageable.
How Tampa and Charleston Lead Other Size Categories
Power’s 21st annual study evaluated mid-sized and large facilities across North America, drawing on 24,710 completed surveys from United States and Canadian residents. Tampa International Airport captured first place in the large airport category—housing facilities serving 10 million to 32.9 million passengers—with a score of 715. Portland International Airport followed closely at 708, while Dallas Love Field secured 698 points.
In the medium airport category, which covers hubs handling 4.5 million to 9.9 million passengers, Charleston International Airport led the field with 712 points. Ontario International Airport trailed right behind at 705 points, with Indianapolis International Airport registering 695 points. Analysts noted that facilities like Charleston benefit from avoiding overbuilding, allowing passengers to move through terminals with minimal friction.
“What is an airport for? An airport is a place that you go to get to, through and out of quickly. You’re flying, you’re trying to go somewhere very efficiently. The best airports are the ones that help you do exactly that,” Gary Leff said, as reported by Fox News Digital. “Tampa is very well organized, even though you do have to transit between your concourses.”
Capital Improvements Drive Overall Satisfaction Gains
Across all three size classifications, overall passenger satisfaction improved year over year. J.D. Power, headquartered in Troy, Michigan, reported that the top-performing facilities have recently wrapped up or are nearing the completion of multiyear capital improvement programs. Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power, noted in a statement that these investments are finally yielding higher satisfaction metrics.
The study measures customer experience across seven core areas: ease of travel through the facility, trust in the airport, terminal facilities, staff performance, trip-to-airport transit, food, beverage and retail offerings, and arrival experiences. Data showed that food, beverage and retail programs experienced a notable lift, rising eight points compared to the previous year. Clear signage and easy-to-follow paths were the primary drivers of positive passenger feedback.
Coastal Hubs Face Navigation Hurdles Despite Upgrades
Despite heavy investment in upscale terminal renovations, major coastal gateways continue to lag in overall traveler sentiment. Leff cautioned that aesthetic upgrades do not always equate to functional efficiency, pointing out that New York LaGuardia's Central Terminal features a striking design yet remains challenging for passengers trying to find their way through the complex. By contrast, facilities like San Francisco International Airport and National Airport in Washington, D.C., maintain higher favorability due to their close proximity to urban centers and clear, simple layouts.
