Ranked: The best & worst airports for 2026, according to JDPower

Name: FAA investigating more "close calls" at US airports
Uploaded: 2026-09-18T10:08:05-04:00
Duration: 13 min 51 s
Description: The FAA has vowed to pursue a goal of zero "serious" close calls by examining a combination of technical and human factors.

FAA investigating more "close calls" at US airports

The FAA has vowed to pursue a goal of zero "serious" close calls by examining a combination of technical and human factors.

Airports in the U.S are as busy as ever these days, but they’re still finding ways to increase passenger satisfaction, according to the latest survey from JD Power.

Released Wednesday, JD Power’s 2026 North America airport satisfaction study found that satisfaction rates rose in every category, from mega airports like Minneapolis-Saint Paul to smaller airports like Charleston International.

What makes airports stand out?

By the numbers:

Overall passenger satisfaction increased 14 points (on a 1,000-point scale) for mega airports in 2026, 13 points for large airports and 16 points for medium airports, JD Power’s survey found.

What they're saying:

Analysts say passenger satisfaction increased this year in part thanks to multi-billion dollar construction projects that have improved passenger experience.

FILE: Travelers navigate security lines at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Terminal 1 on March 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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"For the better part of the last decade, nearly every airport, from the largest international hubs to midsized airfields, has undertaken a significant capital improvement project aimed at streamlining passenger flow, adding attractive food and beverage options and improving overall passenger experience," Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at JD Power said in a news release.

"On the whole, those efforts are finally starting to pay off in the form of higher overall passenger satisfaction scores."