Originally Posted by
RohanDXB
It might not be the most glamorous airport in the world, but I really do like Riyadh a lot.
Based on these criteria:
1) Efficient transit (including intl-intl transit security) - never had to use it but I admit that this might be a weakness
2) Compact, no need to walk far or take bus/train to get to/from gate - extremely quick. In fact you might be able to spot your departure gate from the cab as your get down and take out your luggage. All the gates are <5 mins walk from security.
3) Good airside food/concessions - mostly fast-food-centric but quite adequate when combined with the decent offerings in the lounges.
4) Prices same as in city [this eliminates all US airport] - never seen any major price differences for most things
5) Efficient customs/immigration - the fastest I have ever experienced - never takes more than five to ten minutes on average - unless you have the curse of having to enter for the first time on a new visa (it can take 5 mins to 2 hours really)
6) Good selection of Star Alliance lounges - not Star specific but two lounges per terminal is quite ok
7) Fast, frequent, comfortable train directly from terminal into city center [eg, HKG, NRT, KIX; this eliminates all US airports] - no viable mass public transit but Uber works fine and is dirt cheap.
Ro
I'm a RUH fan, too, but food options are terrible (even though the Alfursan Lounge is not too shabby in this regard). Can't say it's a favorite, though.
I used to think Japanese airports were the best, what with their nearly painless security checks and frequent presence of shops selling local souvenir foods. But, if you take those two aspects away, they just evoke a dentist's more contemporary waiting room.
SIN used to be up there, too, but the transfers, lack of late-night public transit, the non-gate agnostic security checks, and the random security checks right before immigration chip away at its luster.
Guess that leaves me with the previous FNJ as the winner...