Six airports across the United States have emerged as standout gateways in the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, offering travellers a useful comparison of passenger facilities, airport design and connectivity.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Detroit, Phoenix, Tampa, Portland and Charleston were recognised across mega, large and medium airport categories. The findings are particularly relevant to international travellers comparing major gateways for smoother connections and easier airport journeys.
How the 2026 airport rankings were compiled
The study was based on 24,710 completed surveys from US and Canadian residents who had travelled through an eligible airport during the previous 30 days. Airports were assessed across seven areas:
- Ease of travelling through the airport
- Trust and confidence
- Terminal facilities
- Airport staff
- Departure and access experience
- Food, beverage and retail options
- Arrival and onward transport experience
J.D. Power grouped airports according to annual passenger volumes. Mega airports handle at least 33 million passengers, large airports serve between 10 million and 32.9 million, while medium airports record between 4.5 million and 9.9 million passengers.
The six airports highlighted in the study
| Airport | Code | Category | Score | Category position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-Saint Paul International | MSP | Mega | 684 | 1st |
| Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County | DTW | Mega | 663 | 2nd |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International | PHX | Mega | 642 | 3rd |
| Tampa International | TPA | Large | 715 | 1st |
| Portland International | PDX | Large | 708 | 2nd |
| Charleston International | CHS | Medium | 712 | 1st |
Minneapolis-Saint Paul leads the mega-airport category
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport achieved the highest score among mega airports, with 684 points. Passenger numbers rose from 25.2 million in 2021 to 36.07 million in 2025, despite a modest decline from the 2024 total of 37.17 million.
The airport reported 35 international destinations in 2025, compared with 32 the previous year, and approximately 3.61 million international passengers. It also served 166 destinations overall.
Recent investment is a major part of the airport’s appeal. A $600 million operational improvements programme covered pre-security areas, checkpoints, ticketing functions and baggage claim. A separate $242 million modernisation programme upgraded six of Terminal 1’s seven concourses and around 75 Delta gate hold rooms.
Detroit remains an important Midwest connection point
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport ranked second among mega airports with a score of 663. Traffic increased from 23.61 million passengers in 2021 to 33.37 million in 2025.
Detroit is significant for travellers using connections between the US Midwest, Canada and overseas destinations. The airport recorded approximately 3.69 million international passengers in 2025, while total traffic moved closer to its pre-pandemic scale of 36.77 million passengers recorded in 2019.
Phoenix handles more than 50 million passengers
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport placed third among mega airports with 642 points. Passenger traffic rose from 38.85 million in 2021 to 51.62 million in 2025, following a 2024 peak of 52.33 million.
The airport recorded 487,142 aircraft operations in 2025 and has 114 airline gates across Terminals 3 and 4. It serves 24 commercial airlines and remains the principal air gateway for Phoenix and the surrounding Arizona region.
Because of its scale, travellers should plan carefully for check-in, security, connections and ground transport, particularly when arriving on international services or transferring between flights.
Tampa tops the large-airport category
Tampa International Airport achieved the highest overall score among large airports, recording 715 points. Its passenger-friendly layout and facilities were key strengths identified in the study.
Passenger traffic increased from 18.12 million in 2021 to 24.81 million in 2025. The airport reported approximately 21.4 million passengers for fiscal 2022, followed by 23.95 million in 2023 and 24.76 million in 2024.
For travellers, Tampa’s design offers a relatively straightforward experience compared with the complexity of much larger mega-airports. Its position as a gateway to the Tampa Bay region also supports both leisure and business travel.
Portland combines design with transport access
Portland International Airport ranked second among large airports with 708 points. Passenger numbers rose from 11.81 million in 2021 to 18.56 million in 2025, representing the strongest five-year percentage increase among the airports with complete figures in the comparison.
The airport was recognised for its terminal design, local identity and access to public transport. Those features can be particularly useful for travellers who want a simple connection between the airport and the city.
Charleston leads medium airports
Charleston International Airport recorded 712 points to top the medium-airport category. The airport was highlighted for regional accessibility and expanding facilities.
Complete indexed passenger totals for every year from 2021 to 2025 were not available in the source data, so a full five-year percentage comparison cannot be calculated reliably. Official annual reports and published passenger milestones remain the appropriate reference points.
What the rankings mean for international travellers
The study does not identify airports as universally best for every journey. Passenger needs vary depending on route, airline, terminal, connection time and ground transport.
However, the results provide useful guidance when comparing potential gateways:
- For large international networks: Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Detroit and Phoenix offer extensive connectivity and high passenger capacity.
- For a more manageable airport layout: Tampa and Portland ranked strongly among large airports.
- For regional access: Charleston’s medium-airport ranking may appeal to travellers seeking a less complex gateway.
- For connections: passengers should check terminal arrangements, minimum connection times and onward transport before booking.
Passenger totals also need careful interpretation. Airport figures normally include departing and arriving passengers and may include connecting travellers. They should not be treated as a direct count of visitors to the surrounding city.
Key takeaway for travellers
The 2026 airport study shows that a smoother journey depends on more than the number of flights available. Terminal investment, clear wayfinding, facilities, staffing, public transport and the overall arrival experience all influence how passengers experience a gateway.
For travellers comparing North American connections, the strongest approach is to combine the rankings with the specific needs of the journey. Check the airport’s official flight information, terminal map, connection requirements and ground-transport options before departure. The standout airports identified here offer useful examples of how infrastructure and passenger-focused design can make complex international travel easier.
