Last month, J.D. Power released its 2025 North American Airport Satisfaction Study, evaluating passenger experiences at mega airports—those handling 33 million or more passengers annually. The study, based on 30,439 surveys from U.S. and Canadian residents who traveled through U.S. or Canadian airports between July 2024 and July 2025, assessed satisfaction across seven key dimensions: ease of travel, trust in the airport, terminal facilities, staff, departure/arrival experiences, and food, beverage, and retail options.
Michael Taylor, J.D. Power’s airport study lead, noted that despite record traveler volumes, passenger satisfaction remains high. The top three mega airports retained their rankings from 2024, excelling in fundamentals like clear signage, efficient TSA processes, and quality food and retail offerings, which significantly influence satisfaction. The ongoing government shutdown is causing air travel delays, but has not yet impacted the 2025 mega airport rankings. Taylor advises travelers to prepare for potential delays, which may temporarily affect satisfaction but are typically short-lived.
**Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)** topped the list again, scoring 660 out of 1,000. Serving over 37 million passengers in 2024, MSP ranks as North America’s 18th busiest airport. Its success stems from strong coordination with Minnesota’s Department of Transportation, providing clear highway signage to guide travelers to terminals—a rarity in the U.S. MSP also integrates local Minnesota culture into the airport experience. In 2023, it was named the world’s most punctual airport by Cirium.
**Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport** secured second place with a score of 649. A major hub for Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines, it’s Michigan’s busiest airport. Recent improvements in food, retail, and commercial offerings, along with a spacious layout, reduce passenger stress. Efficient TSA operations further enhance the experience.
**Top 10 Mega Airports in North America for 2025**:
1. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
2. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
3. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
5. Harry Reid International Airport
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport
7. Orlando International Airport
8. Miami International Airport
9. San Francisco International Airport
10. Boston Logan International Airport