JD Power 2026 Survey: Minneapolis Tops Mega Airports as Satisfaction Climbs
J.D. Power's 2026 North America airport satisfaction study shows average scores rose across all airport size categories compared to 2025. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport led the mega airport segment with 684 points, repeating its top finish from the prior two years. The report highlights ongoing improvements in airport facilities and passenger experience.
The survey drew responses from more than 24,700 travelers who had visited a U.S. or Canadian airport within the previous month, with data gathered across a full year. Airports are sorted into three tiers based on annual passenger volume, with mega facilities handling 33 million or more travelers. Satisfaction improved in every category, with medium airports posting the largest year-over-year gain at 16 points.
Indianapolis International, which had topped the medium segment for four consecutive years, dropped to third place behind Charleston and Ontario. Minneapolis-Saint Paul's victory in the mega category marks its third straight year at the summit. The study weighs seven dimensions of the passenger experience, including terminal facilities, staff performance, and food and retail offerings.
The upward trend in airport satisfaction scores could signal that recent infrastructure investments are reaching travelers in meaningful ways, potentially offsetting some frustrations around fares and crowded cabins. Passengers across all airport sizes may benefit from improved facilities and smoother journeys, though lounge congestion and flight fullness remain unresolved. These rankings may also shape how airports allocate future funding, as public perception increasingly influences both traveler expectations and municipal priorities.