Heathrow Wins Airport Shopping Award at Skytrax 2026

Passenger Voting Highlights Retail Experience and Ranking Improvement

London Heathrow Airport has been named the world’s leading airport for shopping by passengers at the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The announcement was made at the Passenger Terminal Expo held in London.

In addition to the retail recognition, Heathrow moved up six positions in the global airport rankings, now ranking 16th. The results are based on passenger feedback collected through the Skytrax Airport Customer Satisfaction Survey, which covers more than 550 airports worldwide.

The rankings are determined entirely by travellers, reflecting their experiences across different aspects of airport services, including retail, facilities and overall convenience.

Retail Offering and Passenger Trends

Heathrow’s retail space spans approximately 57,000 square metres and includes more than 300 shops and restaurants. The airport features a mix of British and international brands, offering a range of products from travel essentials to fashion and luxury goods.

Common purchases at the airport include fragrances, whisky, confectionery and small leather items. Sales data indicate frequent transactions across duty-free outlets, particularly during peak travel periods.

The airport’s retail approach is guided by its ‘DESO’ strategy, which focuses on digital integration, in-terminal experience, efficient use of space and a varied retail mix.

Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, said the recognition reflects passenger feedback and the efforts of teams working across the airport’s retail operations.