The world’s most frustrating airports, according to Telegraph writers

Mark Stratton

Double Dutch

It would probably be quicker to single out the best airports rather than the worst, but I certainly hate Amsterdam. Few signs, no-one to ask – and when you do get to wherever you are supposed to go, huge queues. There were some 5,000 people trying to get through passport control last year when I was flying from there to Ecuador. I only got through by queue-jumping with apologies and explanations and then waited an hour while they removed all the cases from my plane belonging to the people who hadn’t made it. “Short-staffed” was the explanation. 

Mary Lussiana

Netherlands – never again

I nominate Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, both pre- and post-Brexit. Yes, many people rate what is one of the world’s busiest airports, but they have probably never had to transit there. I’ve made countless journeys over the years from Scotland through Schiphol and it is a maze punctuated by long walks that risk missed flights. It also has too many shops, making it feel more like a mall than a transit hub, while the plane taxi times can be massive too. I try to duck it these days. 

Robin McKelvie

Crestfallen in Catania

I could say Cairo, for the non-stop asking for tips by even the security staff (and the smoking), or Marrakech, for the worst food and beverage options in the world (and no alcohol), but really it’s Catania. It has no excuse to be as bad as it is: no discernible air conditioning, no Fast Track for BA Silver/Gold members at the nightmarish snaking line of passengers at security, and they close almost all the bars and restaurants at a fixed time, long before the last flight. You’re already in a foul mood because the hire car drop-off is a total nonsense, and then feeling any residual holiday joy sap away. 

Mark C. O’Flaherty

Famous German inefficiency

Berlin’s new international airport has been a controversial fiasco from the beginning. Ineptitude and corruption scandals meant it was delayed for a monstrous ten years, by which time it was already too small for the amount of international passengers coming into Berlin. Since it has been finished, despite looking fairly slick and contemporary, it has been mostly famous for staff shortages, interminable queues, poor signage and a confusing layout. It has made a significant number of people pine for the old Tegel airport, which was very out of date and too small but at least had charm and was quick and practical to use.

Paul Sullivan