Such a ranking of the five worst airports in the world, as well as the three best airports in the world, was recently published by travel insurance comparison platform iService. The platform built the ranking around several parameters: efficiency of immigration and customs officials, check-in wait times, airport accessibility, and the level of security checks at the airport.

Regarding the world's worst airports, it turns out that the airport where you will feel the greatest stress and helplessness is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. This airport received 18.46 points out of one hundred in the index. Survey editors note that, regarding the airport, the two worst points are check-in and arrival options.

The second-worst airport on the list is Humberto Delgado Airport, serving the city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The airport received 22.5 points out of 100. The most problematic aspect of this airport is flight delays, which average 27.39 minutes over the past year.

The third-worst airport is Manchester Airport, which received 23.10 points out of 100, surpassing the rest of Britain's airports. The airport recorded 69% dissatisfaction with baggage arrival and handling, and also suffers from long wait times in the security screening area.

The two airports closing the list of five worst airports are John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (26.83 points) and O'Hare International Airport in Chicago (30.01 points).

The best airports

Beyond the stressful airports, the survey also ranks the five best airports in the world, where you will be significantly calmer when you need to depart from them. The first place is occupied by Changi Airport in Singapore (82.7 points out of 100). This is the airport ranked second in the area of flight cancellation rate, with only Seoul's airport above it.

The airport has won first place 13 consecutive times in Skytrax's World Airport Awards for best airports. Survey editors noted that Changi Airport offers a multitude of attractions, such as a butterfly garden, indoor rock climbing, and free movies at the airport cinema. The airport also maintains the world's largest indoor waterfall (131 feet, approximately 43 meters). Around the waterfall, there is lush vegetation and leisure and recreation spaces that are open to everyone.

In the honorable second place is Hamad Airport in Doha (75.89 points), followed by Incheon International Airport in Seoul (72.61 points).

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The young passenger rose from his seat, displayed nervous behavior, and began uttering unclear, threatening phrases. "I'm doing this for you," he declared while grasping a suitcase still bearing its retail purchase tag. "I'm going to remember all of you, I'm going to find you."

Passenger-recorded videos from the aircraft show crew members removing the man, while one female traveler shouted at him: "Glass boy, don't frighten people. You're terrorizing a pregnant woman – go care for your own family. Be quiet, nobody wants to hear you."

#Bucaramanga Momentos de angustia en el vuelo 8579 de Avianca rumbo Bucaramanga – Bogotá. Un pasajero comenzó a amenazar a bordo, impidiendo el despegue. Autoridades evacuaron el avión para descartar la presencia de explosivos. pic.twitter.com/qjtyg5LPoX

— Vanguardia (@vanguardiacom) September 1, 2025

Shortly thereafter, the airline commanded aircraft evacuation for safety inspection and to eliminate possibilities of dangerous materials that might compromise flight security. Officials reported the individual was transferred to authorities, who are evaluating his medical condition.

Among witnesses documenting the event was actress Katherine Porto, who posted a social media video stating: "This guy threatened us. He said we shouldn't fly on this plane, that we should decide whether we stay or disembark – he threatened us, and we're trapped in the plane."

La actriz @katherineporto describió los minutos de pánico que vivieron en un vuelo de @avianca desde #Bucaramanga a #Bogotá cuando un joven amenazó con que no les convenía viajar en este avión: esto fue lo que dijo pic.twitter.com/OIK7jwoWHS

— Mely Múnera (@MelyMunera) September 1, 2025

Reports indicate that immediately before boarding, the man purchased approximately 1.2 million pesos worth of luggage and headwear. Authorities confirmed his transfer to San Camilo Psychiatric Hospital.

Avianca stressed in an official declaration that the company maintains "zero tolerance toward behaviors endangering safety and service" and will continue employing all legal and criminal measures to protect passengers and staff. Simultaneously, the airline advocated for national legislation enabling deterrence, punishment and prevention of such incidents – including consideration of flight privilege revocation for repeat offenders or individuals compromising aviation safety.

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Visa complications created substantial barriers, including delays, new fees, and increased requirements, which established significant obstacles for tourists from numerous countries.

An unwelcoming image emerged as harsh messaging on immigration matters and treatment of foreign nations strengthened perceptions that the US had become less tourist-friendly. A single bureaucratic error or missing detail in entry documents to the United States can result in finding yourself shackled and transported to a federal detention facility.

Diplomatic tensions contributed to an atmosphere of alienation and distrust through conflicts with China, Canada, Europe, and Middle Eastern nations. The internet overflows with statements from Canadian, German, British, and other tourists who canceled US vacations because they "don't feel safe" or due to a "hostile environment."

The statistics 

A 34% decline in tourism from Canada, equivalent to lost revenue of approximately $29 billion.

A 28% decrease in tourists from Germany and 25% drop from France and Spain.

A 20% decline in tourism from China and 15% decrease from Japan and South Korea.

Emerging markets, such as India and Brazil, also exhibit retreat trends.

While European and Asian countries like Spain, Thailand, and France enjoy growth in demand, the United States loses its historical advantage as the world's premier tourism destination.

Unmistakable message

Economists and tourism industry professionals warn that without policy modifications, visa restrictions, increased fees, and deterrent rhetoric, the United States could lose its international market share for years to come. President Donald Trump's policies may have been designed to appear tough and security-focused, but in practice, they damage America's own economy and its reputation as a dream destination for tourists worldwide.

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But after opening the hundredth tab and losing your mind, many simply give up and go to a travel agent.

All that hassle can of course be avoided. ChatGPT may serve as a personal travel assistant, as one finance expert claims he saved up to £700 with it. Casper Opala, known online as Casper Capital, with more than eight million followers, shares savings tips, especially in travel. He claims that with artificial intelligence help, he got a flight that cost him only about £70 instead of more than £700.

His tip includes seven simple commands that can be copied and pasted into the chat search bar – saving time searching across countless different sites. Although some methods have existed for years, and various travel sites wrote about them even before ChatGPT was created, the advantage is that the bot can collect all the information for you in seconds, saving hours of searches.

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Over the past decade, women's solo travel has evolved into one of the tourism industry's most rapidly expanding phenomena. Increasing numbers of women, predominantly young adults but spanning all age groups, are opting to pack their belongings and embark on independent global exploration. Beyond the appeal of autonomy and personal growth, this trend has been fueled by increased access to affordable air travel, expanded availability of female-friendly lodging options, and heightened awareness regarding women's safety concerns worldwide.

England presents an unbeatable formula

To address potential anxieties surrounding such journeys, Time Out magazine developed a specialized ranking of the world's premier destinations for solo female travelers. Seasoned travel writers from around the globe evaluated locations based on safety standards, transportation accessibility, and comprehensive travel experiences – yielding the unexpected outcome that England claimed the top position.

According to the publication's editorial team, England delivers an exceptional blend of charming villages, vast green countryside, dynamic urban centers, and remarkably efficient public transit systems. London itself, despite its enormous scale, earned recognition as a location where travelers can maintain reasonable security levels while exercising standard metropolitan caution.

Additional destinations featured

Sweden – recognized for its superior transportation infrastructure and widespread English proficiency among residents.

Greece – celebrated for its accessible and secure island destinations and coastal areas.

Japan – acknowledged as among the world's safest nations with exceptionally dependable transit systems.

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Key developments include the August 14 launch of an advanced security and check-in facility within Terminal 3. This new Terminal 3 plaza spans roughly 3,900 square meters (41,979 square feet) and features 22 check-in positions, cutting-edge security screening technology, and modernized baggage processing systems. The structure utilizes an industrialized aluminum framework comparable to contemporary European terminals, ensuring complete operational adaptability. Total construction investment reached approximately 50 million shekels ($14.1 million).

Terminal 1 resumes international service beginning August 3, initially accommodating El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Georgian Airways operations, with Lococost, Wizz Air, and additional carriers joining subsequently. This restoration follows the elimination of European Aviation Authority limitations. August operations anticipate approximately 500 international departures and arrivals through Terminal 1.

Strategic infrastructure initiatives by the Ministry of Transportation and Israel Airports Authority encompass developing a new Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway interchange, expanding security processing and immigration zones, creating additional passenger entry points, and enlarging duty-free commercial and dining spaces.

Despite the removal of European Aviation Authority guidance discouraging Israel travel, which reopens opportunities for numerous airlines, ticket pricing remains prohibitively expensive.

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Air France has already resumed service, with its flagship Boeing 777-300 touching down at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday. The carrier's return includes daily operations featuring the wide-body aircraft, delivering substantial service improvements across all cabin configurations. Passengers can expect a dedicated premium economy section, fully flat business class beds, individual entertainment systems throughout the aircraft, and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity.

Several carriers have already restored Israeli routes, including Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Blue Bird, Hainan Airlines, TUS, and Azerbaijan Airlines.

Additional carriers preparing July comeback

Air Europa and LOT are among the airlines planning mid-month returns, with both carriers scheduled to resume flights on July 14. Air Seychelles has targeted August 1 for its restart.

However, major European budget and full-service carriers remain grounded longer. British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet have extended their suspensions through October 25, while KLM maintains an indefinite halt. Industry sources suggest some airlines may accelerate their return timeline should the European Aviation Safety Agency withdraw its Israel travel advisory, an action anticipated within days.

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Delta Airlines is set to resume its operations to Israel tomorrow (Tuesday), with the first flight scheduled to land in the country on Wednesday morning. The American carrier will operate daily flights on the New York-Tel Aviv route.

The airline will use the Airbus A330-900neo aircraft for these direct flights, providing approximately 2,000 seats weekly according to company announcements.

Delta becomes the second American airline to return to Israel, following United Airlines which resumed operations about two weeks ago. United has since doubled its service and now operates two daily flights to Israel. Following Delta's anticipated return, four airlines will be offering direct flights between New York and Tel Aviv: El Al, Arkia, United, and Delta.

Israir has also applied to operate direct flights to New York beginning in July, though the carrier has not yet officially announced the launch of this route and is still awaiting completion of all necessary approvals and procedures.

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After suspending flights to Israel for several months, Irish budget airline Ryanair is resuming its operations in the country. The first Ryanair flight departed Sunday from Baden-Baden, Germany, and was scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport shortly after 11:00 a.m.

The Irish carrier plans to operate direct flights to and from Israel to various European destinations, including Berlin, Budapest, Bucharest, Baden-Baden, Athens, and additional locations.

Ryanair isn't the only budget airline now operating from Ben Gurion Airport. Wizz Air returned to Israel several months ago and is also running direct flights to multiple destinations, with plans to expand its operations in the current period.

EasyJet is expected to resume its Israel routes at the beginning of June, barring any changes. Once this occurs, all major budget airlines that operate flights to and from a relatively wide range of destinations in Israel will have returned to service.

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According to the newly published global happiness report, Finland continues to lead the world in citizen happiness, with Denmark securing the second position. Iceland (3) and Sweden (4) follow closely behind, maintaining the Nordic countries' strong presence at the top of the list. The Netherlands, a popular destination among Israeli tourists, claimed fifth place, while Costa Rica emerged as the highest-ranking non-European nation at sixth.

Norway, another Scandinavian country, occupies seventh place, with Israel following directly in eighth place. Despite the ongoing conflict, Israel has maintained its high ranking among the world's happiest countries, positioning ahead of Luxembourg and Mexico, which round out the top ten at places 9 and 10 respectively.

Australia (11) leads the second tier of happy nations, followed immediately by its neighbor New Zealand (12). Switzerland (13), Belgium (14), Ireland (15), and Lithuania (16) continue the list, with Austria, Canada, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic completing the top 20 happiest countries worldwide (places 17-20 respectively).

The least happy countries

At the bottom of the global rankings, Afghanistan remains in last place at 147th, with Sierra Leone just above at 146th. Lebanon, one of Israel's neighboring countries, ranks very low at 145th, followed by Malawi (144th) and Zimbabwe (143rd).

According to CNN, the comprehensive report draws on data from Gallup's global survey, which includes participants from more than 140 countries. The happiness rankings are determined based on average life evaluations over the previous three years – specifically 2022 through 2024 in this case. The report represents a collaborative effort between Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the System Commission.

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