Long layovers have a way of testing anyone’s patience, but a great food scene can turn dead airport time into one of the more enjoyable parts of a trip, and Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport just proved it belongs in that conversation, landing at 6th place with a score of 133 on a global ranking of airports with the best food options for transiting passengers.
The ranking, released by Airport Ranking and Hotels, evaluates airports worldwide based on the range and quality of food options available to passengers.
The World’s Top Airport for Layover Food: Singapore Changi
According to Seasia Stats, reported Friday, September 4, 2026, Singapore Changi Airport claimed the top spot with a score of 247. Changi is well known for its extensive lineup of local and international food options, ranging from budget-friendly food courts to full restaurants within the Jewel complex.
Passengers transiting through Changi can sample a wide range of Singaporean specialties, including chicken rice, laksa, nasi lemak, kaya toast, and dim sum, a lineup that makes Changi one of the most appealing airports for turning layover time into a genuine culinary stop.
The Full Top 10 Ranking
2. O’Hare International Airport (USA), Score: 210 Chicago’s O’Hare offers a wide variety of restaurants and food stalls for passengers with time to spare before their next flight.
3. Tokyo Haneda Airport (Japan), Score: 173 Passengers here can find an array of authentic Japanese dishes, including sushi, ramen, and other traditional fare.
4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (USA), Score: 165
5. LaGuardia Airport (USA), Score: 142 LaGuardia offers a diverse mix of restaurants spanning multiple cuisines.
6. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Indonesia), Score: 133 Jakarta’s main international airport joins Changi as one of two Southeast Asian airports to crack the global top 10, giving transiting passengers a chance to sample a range of authentic Indonesian dishes while waiting for their next flight.
7. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Philippines), Score: 131 Manila’s airport rounds out Southeast Asia’s strong showing on this list, offering passengers a taste of Filipino cuisine during their layover.
8. John F. Kennedy International Airport (USA), Score: 129
9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (China), Score: 126 Both JFK and Shanghai Pudong offer a blend of international dining options alongside regional specialties.
10. Istanbul Airport (Turkey), Score: 118 Passengers transiting through Istanbul can enjoy Turkish specialties like kebab, pide, and a variety of pastries.
Why This Matters for Travelers
If you’ve got a long layover coming up at any of these airports, it’s worth building in extra time to actually explore the food options rather than just grabbing the nearest fast food counter. With Soekarno-Hatta now officially recognized among the world’s best for layover dining, Jakarta-bound travelers have one more reason to look forward to their next connection rather than dread it.
