Indianapolis International Airport has been honored as the top airport in North America, an award that recognizes excellence in customer service.
It is the third time that Indianapolis International has claimed a top spot in the annual awards program, which has been presented by the trade association Airports Council International (ACI) since 2006. The airport was also named best in North America in 2010 and 2012 and was ranked second in 2011.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport and Tampa International Airport finished second and third, respectively, among airports in North America. San Antonio International Airport was recognized for the best improvement among North American airports, and Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport was named best among North America’s smaller airports.
Each year, more than 7 million travelers pass through Indianapolis International, which averages 138 daily flights and offers nonstop flights to 34 destinations. According to its website, about 10,000 people work at the airport, which produces an annual economic impact estimated at $4.5 billion. The airport is the nation’s eighth-largest cargo facility and the 22nd-largest in the world.
The executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, which operates the airport, credited the dedication of the facility’s employees.
“It is their tireless commitment and pride to maintain a safe, clean, courteous and dependable airport operation that allows [Indianapolis International] to consistently elevate the travel experience for our guests,” Robert Duncan said in a statement.
The Airport Service Quality awards are based on data collected from surveys given to a minimum of 1,400 passengers at nearly 300 participating airports. Travelers are asked to rate airports in 34 categories. The ACI’s nearly 600 members operate more than 1,800 airports in 174 nations and territories.
The 2013 winners for best airport in other regions of the world were: Cape Town International Airport in South Africa (Africa); Seoul Incheon International Airport in South Korea (Asia-Pacific); Guayaquil Airport in Ecuador (Latin America-Caribbean); Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (Middle East); and Moscow Sheremetyevo in Russia (Europe).
“As airports face the increasingly competitive and demanding aviation market, it is crucial to keep a focus on meeting and exceeding passenger expectations,” ACI Director General Angela Gittens said in a February 2014 statement.
