Like it or not, shopping has become a significant part of the airport and travel experience. The concept of duty-free was introduced as international travel expanded, and passengers could take advantage of buying certain goods without paying certain taxes and duties (as the goods are heading out of the country).
Nowadays, many global airports have made shopping the centerpiece of the airport experience, essentially giving passengers an upper-end mall to explore while they wait for their flight. Most major hub airports offer a typical range of standard duty-free goods, but some have gone above and beyond – let’s take a look at five of the best airports for duty-free shopping.
1
Doha Hamad International Airport
Placed top in Skytrax awards again
The Skytrax Awards is an annual award process that rates airlines and airports in many different categories. This is a passenger-voted awards system, so it implicitly incorporates all these factors. In 2024, Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) was placed top for shopping, having also achieved this honor in 2023.
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Hamad International Airport is a massive facility with one main passenger terminal. This setup makes shopping easier, with all shops and brands accessible to all passengers. A multiple terminal airport (such as London Heathrow) can struggle with this, as not all brands will be available to all passengers.
The main terminal offers 40,000 square meters of shopping and dining space. Along with extensive standard duty-free options, there is a dedicated luxury area located underneath the Qatar Airways first class lounge. This houses brands including Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Jimmy Choo, and Fendi.
2
London Heathrow Airport
Second with Skytrax, plenty of ‘British’ shopping options
Moving to Europe, it is not surprising that the busiest airport in the region is also one of the best for shopping. London Heathrow (LHR) has long been a major hub airport, as well as an important destination in itself. As such, it has attracted some of the leading brands.
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Heathrow is the first airport on this list to be a real, separated multiple-terminal airport. As such, passengers will only be able to access shops in the terminal they are departing from (there is no option to enter other terminals when departing or when transferring flights). In Terminal 5, the flagship terminal for British Airways, you will find many luxury retail brands, including Burberry, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.
Heathrow offers some good ‘British’ shopping options as well – including an outlet from the famous Harrods store, a Fortnum & Mason shop, a Harry Potter store, and plenty of options to buy London-themed souvenirs.
3
Singapore Changi Aiport
Third-placed airport in Skytrax awards, and an amazing airport experience
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) frequently comes up in any discussion of the best airports to spend time in. It offers an exceptional airport experience with greenery, leisure facilities, and of course, plenty of shopping opportunities.
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Changi is a multiple-terminal airport, so shopping options will depend on which terminal you are using. Unlike some airports, though, it is usually possible to move between terminals (if you have the time) regardless of which terminal your flight departs from. To assist with personalized chopping, Changi is one of many airports that offer shopping assistance – known as Shopping Concierge.
The airport also offers the amazing Jewel – a new building opened in 2019. This is a separate facility from the departure terminals, so it can be accessed by anyone. As such, it will not have duty-free offerings but still offers extensive and unusual shopping options. It’s not just shopping in the Jewel – it is a beautiful facility featuring a range of cafes and restaurants, a hotel, extensive indoor gardens, and the ‘Rain Vortex’ – the world’s largest indoor waterfall.
As well as extensive duty-free and luxury brands offering, Changi has some unusual shopping extras, such as:
- The Pokémon Center – as you would expect, it offers Pokémon-related products.
- In Good Company, offering luxurious Singaporean couture.
- Sift & Pick offers clothing, bags, and other accessories from popular Korean fashion K-style.
4
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Fourth-placed with Skytrax
For a city indelibly linked with fashion and luxury, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) offers a wide array of shopping for customers, ranging from local boutiques, high-end international brands and extensive duty-free areas.
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Wine and delicacies are also aplenty, so you have many options for last-minute gifts. The airport has three main passenger terminals, the largest of which is Terminal 2. While the other two terminals have plenty in terms of amenities, the best shopping is generally found around Terminal 2E and 2F.
5
Dubai International Airport
One of the world’s best shopping destinations
With the city center full of glamorous malls and store-lined marinas, it’s no surprise that Dubai International Airport (DXB) makes an appearance in Skytrax’s top five. Operated by Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the airport offers world-class shopping options across DXB’s three passenger terminals.
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Terminal 3, the main base for Emirates, is arguably the best of the bunch. On top of the usual high-end fashion and beauty brands, there are many gold and jewelry stores in this terminal. DXB is currently at its busiest ever, with the nearby Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) – also run by DDF – boasting its own vast shopping amenities too.