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Worst Airports Of Asia 2014


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Worst Airports in Asia 2014

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Date: October 15, 2014

Having raved about the pure excellence of some airports in Asia, the 10 airports that make it onto the Worst Airports list bring us back to reality. Those represented on this list show up because of their consistent uncleanliness, their counter-intuitive layout and absolute lack of amenities. Long queues, the solicitation of bribes and the lack of air-conditioning in tropical climates further upsets and enrages travellers in the region. But really, we’re putting this all quite politely. Voter comments for airports on this list were most definitely among the most passionately written – Manila alone collected hundreds of complaints, criticisms and frustrations articulated in particularly colourful language. Voters vehemently discourage booking extended layovers in these airports, but if you do find yourself delayed or stranded, be sure to have some hand sanitizer, a sleeping mat, a pair of ear plugs and snacks from the outside world. This should begin to ease the pain of travel.

Here are the Top 10 Worst Airports in Asia based on overall airport experience as determined by voters in our 2014 Airport Survey:

1. Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Pakistan (ISB)

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This airport is like as a central prison. Many of touts & taxi drivers loot people at airport & outside. - a traveller

Islamabad’s international airport climbed to the number one spot this year, displacing Manila, which previously had a stronghold on the position. Likened to a central prison, ISB is criticized for the crowds (and absence of crowd control), the pervasive corruption, the aggressive-yet-inconsistent security checks, and the overall lack of cleanliness and technology. Travellers have also complained about the airport’s inability to handle passengers for over a decade – and thankfully, it seems the end of ISB is near. A new airport is slated to be completed for mid-2016, which should dramatically improve air travel to the city. Visit our Islamabad Airport Guide for more information.

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2. Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal (KTM)

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Just make very sure that you never, NEVER need to use the washrooms in this airport. - a traveller

Nepal’s only international airport was eloquently described to resemble a “bus station in an impoverished neighbourhood”. The airport’s cleanliness is a chief concern for those travelling through, with many remarking on the sorry state of the bathrooms, and the absolute lack of soap. Other travellers take issue with the lack of air-conditioning and a filthy smoking room. Generally, travellers discourage sleeping here in part because of the sad state of the airport, and also because it goes against local norms. With plenty of security officials wandering about, sleeping here is generally not a hugely pleasant experience. This all said, some slack is given to Nepal given that it lacks with wealth of some of its Asian neighbours. Visit our Kathmandu Airport Guide for more information.

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3. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines (MNL)

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Terminal 1 is a dirty, crowded, noisy, extremely hot airport. No where close to enough seats for even half the people waiting to sit. - a traveller

After 3 years at the top our worst airports lists, Manila NAIA saw a slight “improvement” in its ranking as a result of increased positive votes for its Terminal 3. This year, in an effort to lose its title of being the “laggard of Asia” (as one survey respondent put it), the long awaited rehabilitation of NAIA Terminal 1 finally commenced. Since then travellers have been quick to remind us of their continued grievances such as overcrowding, lengthy queues, limited seating, unfriendly immigration/customs officers and smelly toilets. Adding to an already lengthy list of traveller complaints, in April the terminal became Asia's largest public sauna when the air­conditioning broke down. The units were reportedly not replaced until months later. You may now be asking yourself "how is this an improvement?" Well, all news was not grim at NAIA1 this year. After last year’s survey results, the newly refurbished day rooms reopened. More recently, some international airlines were finally moved over to Terminal 3 to help reduce congestion in the overflowing Terminal 1. And just before publication, the controversial terminal tax was set to be included on international tickets starting October 01, further decongesting the terminal by reducing at least one lengthy queue. Consider this a firm recommendation to do all that you can to fly on airlines that use Terminal 3 rather than Terminal 1 – particularly if your time at Manila NAIA is looking long! The NAIA1 rehabilitation is expected to be complete in 2015. Visit our Manila Airport Guide for more information.

- See more at: http://www.sleepinginairports.net/2014/worst-airports-asia.htm#sthash.7DkT6hl2.dpuf

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