The Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality awards measure traveler satisfaction through on-site surveys at airports worldwide. The wins, noted below, span two continents and every passenger volume category, reflecting a shared focus on intuitive circulation, operational efficiency and a strong sense of place.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Dallas, Texas
Best Airport in North America at Departures, 40+ Million Passengers
Image courtesy of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
HOK is supporting DFW’s ongoing modernization with two new concourse piers that add nine gates between Terminals A and C, a refresh of Terminal A and a full modernization of Terminal C. The work includes renovating and expanding ticketing, security, baggage claim and support areas to improve capacity and traveler flow.
Using modular construction for the pier expansions, megastructure modules weighing up to 1,200 tons were fabricated offsite and transported overnight across the airfield, accelerating construction while minimizing operational disruption. The project is part of DFW Forward, the airport’s largest capital program since the airport, originally designed by HOK, opened in 1974.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indianapolis, Indiana
Best Airport in North America at Departures, 5-15 Million Passengers
Best Airport in North America, Easiest Airport Journey
HOK master planned and designed IND’s Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal, the first post-9/11 greenfield terminal built in the United States. The 40-gate facility centers on a civic plaza filled with art, dining and retail, anchored by a five-story glass wall overlooking downtown Indianapolis.
IND was the world’s first complete aviation campus to earn LEED certification and continues to rank among the highest-performing airports globally for traveler satisfaction.
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru, India
Best Airport at Arrivals, Globally
HOK’s design expanded Terminal 1 at BLR to increase capacity while maintaining a clear, welcoming arrival experience. Interior landscaping reinforces Bengaluru’s “garden city” identity, while expanded seating, retail, dining and wide-body gates improve traveler comfort and operational efficiency.
BLR has now won Best Airport at Arrivals Globally for four consecutive years.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York, New York
Best Airport in North America, 25-40 Million Passengers
HOK led the design of the new LGA’s Terminal B, one of the nation’s most high-profile airport projects. The departures and arrivals hall features 60-foot-high ceilings, expansive glass walls and curated public art. Pocket parks within the 35-gate terminal pay homage to New York’s iconic green spaces, while retail and dining showcase local brands.
This marks LGA’s second consecutive year earning top honors from ACI. Terminal B has received additional recognition from Fast Company, TIME, Forbes Travel Guide, the Urban Land Institute New York, the Chicago Athenaeum, several chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the Design-Build Institute of America.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City, Utah
Best Airport in North America at Departures, 25-40 Million Passengers
Best Airport in North America, Most Enjoyable Airport
Best Airport in North America, Cleanest Airport
HOK designed the new SLC airport, replacing three aging terminals with a modern, sustainable hub that highlights Utah’s natural beauty. Fifty-foot-high glass walls frame views of the Wasatch Mountains, while “The Canyon” civic hall anchors shopping and local dining.
Operational upgrades include parking that doubled the previous airport’s capacity with camera-based sensors and bag-check kiosks, expanded security and an underground pedestrian tunnel between concourses that extends the lighting and artwork of The Canyon space. When final phases are complete in 2026, the airport will include 94 gates.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Tampa, Florida
Best Airport in North America at Departures, 15-25 Million Passengers
HOK modernized TPA’s main terminal, repositioning shuttles and concessions to the facility’s perimeter and freeing 60,000 square feet of space for travelers on the third-floor transfer level. The project introduced 69 new retail and dining options, four outdoor terraces, expanded seating and work areas, public art and a family zone. The redesign strengthens sense of place with materials and colors inspired by Tampa’s waterfront while improving capacity and comfort.
TPA was also named Best Airport in North America by ACI in 2024.