These are the ten worst airports in Europe

Long waiting times, inadequate facilities, and unfriendly staff are just a few of the many factors that can cause frustration and inconvenience. During peak travel periods, many airports reach their capacity limits, leading to significant disruptions for both outbound and return journeys.

Analysts at the vacation rental portal Holidu have examined the busiest European airports based on several criteria and created a ranking list. The more ratings available for an airport, the more heavily it was weighted in the ranking. The ranking of the ten worst airports in Europe shows where improvements are urgently needed.

1. Heraklion Airport (Crete)

According to the ratings left by users on Google Maps, Heraklion International Airport is the worst airport in Europe. With an average rating of 2.6 based on more than 21,000 reviews, it performs miserably. Passengers report outdated facilities and inadequate service. However, there is reason for optimism regarding the situation for passengers in Crete. A new, modern airport is set to open in Heraklion in 2027, with the capacity to handle significantly more passengers than the current facility.

2. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in France is the second worst-rated airport, with an average Google rating of 2.8 (based on around 12,000 reviews). The main complaints from passengers concern slow processing times, insufficient seating, and a limited selection of food and beverages.

3. Manchester Airport

With over 27,000 of them, the reviews on Google make Manchester Airport the third-worst in Europe, with an average rating of 3.1. Among other things, criticism is directed at long waiting times, inefficient organization, unfriendly staff and a lack of cleanliness. There are also complaints about the difficulty of navigating the terminals due to inadequate signage.

4. Berlin Brandenburg Airport

After a long and troubled construction history, Berlin's airport is still not fully established. Travelers complain about the inefficient organization and lack of signs, which make orientation difficult. Passengers rate Berlin Brandenburg Airport an average of 3.1.

5. Charleroi Airport

The airport in the Belgian town of Charleroi is mainly used by low-cost airlines. Google's comments section reveals that it is often overcrowded, with passengers also complaining about a lack of comfort and limited services. The ratings achieve an average score of 3.2.

6. Nantes Atlantique Airport

The airport of the city of Nantes in north-eastern France also performs poorly. Travelers complain of long waiting times and inefficient security checks. In addition, the airport's general infrastructure has faced criticism, particularly for its outdated facilities and limited dining options, resulting in an average score of 3.3.

7. Pisa Airport

Pisa Airport has an average rating of 3.3 on Google. Passengers mainly complain about the overcrowded terminals and long waiting times, especially at security. There are also complaints about the outdated infrastructure and the limited range of restaurants and shops. Comments also suggest that the organization often leaves something to be desired.

8. Marseille Provence Airport

Another French airport comes in at number 8. The main criticism of Marseille Airport is the inefficient processes, particularly at security, which lead to long waiting times. Passengers also complain about the lack of seating and the limited food and beverage options. The general cleanliness also draws criticism. The average grade is 3.3.

9. Luton Airport

Luton Airport, located in the north of the British capital, also gets poor marks. Travelers report long waiting times and overcrowded terminals. There are also complaints about the poor connections to the city and the limited food options. London Luton Airport received an average grade of 3.3.

10. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport

Passengers at Bologna Airport often complain about long waiting times and inefficient security checks. Other points of criticism are the lack of cleanliness in the terminals and the poor organization of baggage handling. The average grade is 3.3.

Of course, it's worth highlighting Europe's top-rated airports, especially since a Swiss airport ranks among the best. Zurich Airport holds the fifth spot.

It is preceded by Václav Havel Airport in Prague (4th), Athens International Airport (3rd), Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto (2nd), and, at the top spot as the best airport in Europe, Istanbul International Airport, which opened just six years ago.