Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport places on world top-10 list

Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport is the 8th best airport in the world, according to Travel + Leisure magazine readers.

The popular New York-based travel magazine asked readers to share their views on the world's top airports, based on travelers' experiences of access, check-in and security, food, shopping and design.

The 10 leading airports, revealed on Wednesday, will be feature in Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards publication.

It was Singapore's Changi Airport that once again took the title, finishing first for a fifth successive year with an unbeaten score of 90/100. Travelers highlighted the airport's outstanding facilities that might make the airport alone worth a trip to Singapore. Travelers who have time to spare can enjoy the free movie theater, napping lounges, gardens and even a rooftop pool.

Singapore's Changi Airport‏ (LARS CURFS/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

Ben-Gurion Airport, rated 79/100, fell two places from its impressive 6th place ranking in 2016 but seemingly has a long way to go in order to compete with the global leader.

Doha's Hamad International Airport finished runner-up, and Dubai International Airport finished in 3rd place. Only two European airports, Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and Zurich, feature in the list.

Hamad International airport in Doha, Qatar (REUTERS)

Emirates Airlines aircrafts are seen at Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates May 10, 2016 (REUTERS)

Schiphol Airport ‏(VMZP85/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

2016 was Ben-Gurion Airport's busiest year to date, with close to 18 million passengers passing through its terminals.
The airport's modern-looking Terminal 3 opened in 2004, replacing Terminal 1 as the airport's primary international flight hub.

Following four months of renovations, Terminal 1, which primarily serves low-cost airlines, reopened last month.