Key facts
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport ranked first for passenger satisfaction for the third consecutive year in the 2026 JD Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
- The study surveyed 24,710 US and Canadian residents on their airport experiences.
- Overall passenger satisfaction at mega airports increased 14 points in 2026.
- Travelers who rated their airport experience as 'perfect' spent an average of $20.22 more than those who rated their experience 'just OK'.
- Airports that recently completed capital improvement projects scored higher in passenger satisfaction.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has once again been recognized as the top airport for passenger satisfaction, holding the number one spot for the third consecutive year in the 2026 JD Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. The study, which surveyed 24,710 US and Canadian residents, measures overall passenger satisfaction across medium, large, and mega airport categories.
The 2026 study found that airports that have recently completed or are nearing completion of significant capital improvement projects tend to score higher in passenger satisfaction. These renovations, which can cost over $1 billion, have contributed to a 14-point increase in overall passenger satisfaction at mega airports, even as passenger volumes remain high. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport itself underwent a $242 million terminal renovation in December 2025, which refreshed gate areas, seating, flooring, and signage.
Beyond physical improvements, JD Power also noted that a good balance of chain and local restaurants and shops, along with clear signage, contributes to a positive passenger experience. Travelers who reported a 'perfect' airport experience spent an average of $20.22 more than those who described their experience as 'just OK.'
Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson, were not included in this year's rankings due to a change in JD Power's sampling methodology in Canada. The study evaluated passenger experiences across seven core factors: ease of travel, terminal facilities, airport staff, departure/to airport experience, food/beverage/retail, and arrival/from airport experience.