In a recent revelation, Ngurah Rai International Airport, the pride of Bali, has unexpectedly found itself under scrutiny, making headlines for securing a spot on the global ‘Worst Airports‘ list of 2023, as reported by AirHelp, the leading air passenger rights organization. This critical analysis aims to unpack the complexities surrounding this surprising ranking and explore the contrasting perspectives presented by both the survey and the airport management.
What is AirHelp?
AirHelp is a global advocate for air passenger rights, committed to ensuring fair treatment for travelers everywhere. Since its establishment in 2013, AirHelp has played a vital role in empowering passengers by providing assistance and compensation for flight disruptions, delays, and cancellations.
n addition to helping individual travelers, AirHelp conducts annual surveys evaluating airport performance worldwide, offering valuable insights into the aviation industry and promoting accountability for airlines and airports to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers globally. Understanding AirHelp’s mission adds context to discussions about Ngurah Rai Airport’s global ranking, highlighting the organization’s broader commitment to consumer rights and the improvement of air travel for everyone.
Bali Airport Ranking
In a recent evaluation by AirHelp, the world’s largest air passenger rights organization, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali found itself among the ten airports deemed the worst globally in 2023. This critical analysis aims to delve into the specifics of Ngurah Rai’s ranking, addressing the concerns raised by PT Angkasa Pura I (AP1), the airport management authority, regarding the survey’s methodology.
AirHelp’s assessment, which surveyed over 15,800 passengers from January 1 to September 30, 2023, considered factors such as service quality, timeliness, and facilities. Despite accolades received by AP1-managed airports on the national and international stage, Ngurah Rai International Airport faced a challenging position in the global rankings.
In response to the rankings, Rahadian D. Yogisworo, Vice President Corporate Secretary of PT Angkasa Pura I, questioned the survey’s methodology, emphasizing that only two survey institutions, Airports Council International (ACI) & Skytrex, and INACA, are typically used as reference points. AP1-managed airports had recently received accolades on both the national and international fronts.
Ngurah Rai International Airport, for instance, secured recognition from ACI as the Best Airport of 15 to 25 Million Passengers in the Asia Pacific and Director General’s Roll of Excellence. These awards are part of the Airport Service Quality program, a benchmarking initiative for customer experience.
Top 5 Worst Airports of 2023
- Banjarmasin Syamsudin Noor International Airport, Indonesia (BDJ) – 6.39: Securing the top spot on the list, this Indonesian airport faced criticism for scoring low in various factors, including service quality and timeliness, according to AirHelp’s comprehensive survey.
- Denpasar International Airport, Bali (DPS) – 6.55: Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali unexpectedly found itself among the worst airports globally, raising eyebrows within the Bali community and prompting a closer examination of its standing on the global stage.
- Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, Indonesia (HLP) – 6.63: Another Indonesian airport making the list, Halim Perdanakusuma faced challenges in various areas, contributing to its placement among the top worst airports of 2023.
- Malta International Airport (MLA) – 6.39: Joining the list of global underperformers, Malta International Airport faced criticism for factors impacting the overall passenger experience, as highlighted by AirHelp’s survey.
- London Gatwick Airport, UK (LGW) – 6.43: A surprise entry from the United Kingdom, London Gatwick Airport, faced challenges that led to its inclusion in the top five worst airports of 2023, according to AirHelp’s rankings.
Top 5 Best Airports of 2023
- Muscat International Airport, Oman (MCT): Securing the coveted top position on AirHelp’s global rankings, Muscat International Airport in Oman has set a stellar example in providing passengers with an exceptional travel experience. The airport’s commitment to service quality, timeliness, and overall passenger satisfaction has earned it the distinguished title of the best airport of 2023.
- Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport, Brazil (REC): Flying high on the list of top-performing airports, Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport in Brazil stands out for its remarkable service quality and dedication to passenger satisfaction, as recognized by AirHelp’s comprehensive survey.
- Cape Town International Airport, South Africa (CPT): South Africa’s pride, Cape Town International Airport, clinches a spot among the best airports globally in 2023. The airport’s commitment to excellence in various aspects, including timeliness and overall passenger experience, has positioned it as a standout performer.
- Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport, Brazil (BSB): Another Brazilian airport making waves in the global rankings, Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport, showcases a dedication to passenger satisfaction and efficient service, earning its place among the top airports of the year.
- Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar (DOH): Closing the list of top airports, Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar exemplifies excellence in the aviation industry. With a focus on service quality, timeliness, and overall passenger contentment, the airport secures a prominent position in AirHelp’s global rankings for 2023.
Conclusion
As the Bali community grapples with the unexpected revelation of Ngurah Rai’s global ranking, the discourse goes beyond a mere airport critique. It encourages a comprehensive dialogue on enhancing airport services, addressing challenges, and fostering continuous improvement. Whether Ngurah Rai’s presence on the ‘Worst Airports’ list is a wake-up call or a matter of debate, it undoubtedly calls for a collective effort to maintain Bali’s status as a global travel destination with a seamless and enjoyable airport experience.
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