New York and LA didn’t win America’s best mega airport title, but one Midwest hub did
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport was named North America’s top mega airport for the third year running in J.D. Power’s 2026 rankings. The result highlights how smooth journeys, convenient connections and access to city centres can matter as much to passengers as high-profile renovations.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul scored 684 out of 1,000, ahead of Detroit at 663 and Phoenix at 642. Tampa led large airports with 715 points, while Charleston topped medium airports with 712; passenger satisfaction rose across all three categories, and food, drink and retail scores increased by eight points year on year. The study assesses seven aspects of the airport experience, including navigation, facilities, staff and travel to and from the airport.
In short
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul topped mega airports for the third year.
- Tampa and Charleston led their airport size categories.
- Passenger satisfaction improved, including food and retail scores.
Explained simply
J.D. Power is a consumer research firm that surveys passengers about their experience at airports. Its rankings group airports by size and consider factors such as finding your way around, facilities, staff, shops and restaurants, and journeys to and from the airport.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport serves the Twin Cities and is a major connection point for travellers across the US Midwest. Detroit and Phoenix are other large regional hubs, while New York and Los Angeles have some of the country’s busiest airports. Passenger ratings can reflect everyday convenience and service as well as airport buildings and renovations.
These comparisons matter to travellers choosing routes and to airports seeking to improve the passenger experience. The study also reports results for large and medium-sized airports, so its top-ranked airport overall may differ from the top mega airport.