Two Canadian Airports Make Top 10 in ‘Smart’ Airport Ranking

In a new ranking of the 50 Best Airports in the World for 2026, two Canadian airports made the top 10 list – with Vancouver International ranked sixth and Toronto Pearson International coming in at eighth.

Assembled by international publication Travel & Tour World (TTW), this global ranking takes a different approach from other rankings — evaluating airports based on the depth, scale, and integration of smart technologies transforming the passenger journey and airport operations.

TTW says the 2026 ranking highlights a decisive shift in global aviation, where artificial intelligence, biometric processing, digital twins, automation, predictive analytics, and sustainability-driven smart systems are no longer pilots or add-ons, but core operational infrastructure.

“The 50 Best Airports for 2026 represents a pivotal shift where technology is no longer a luxury, but the very pulse of global aviation, meeting the high-performance demands of digital nomads through Gen Z technology,” said Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travel and Tour World.

“As global passengers carry higher expectations for efficiency and environmental responsibility, these rankings highlight the hubs that have successfully integrated AI and predictive analytics to turn the vision of an easy trip into a seamless, sustainable reality.” 

TTW said the leaders of the global index are airports demonstrating the most advanced, end-to-end smart airport ecosystems currently in operation. These airports have embedded artificial intelligence, biometrics, automation, digital twins, and real-time data intelligence across passenger journeys, airside and landside operations, and long-term infrastructure planning — setting a global benchmark for intelligent aviation infrastructure.

“Crucially, sustainability is no longer a parallel initiative but a core outcome of these smart designs, ensuring that increased capacity doesn’t come at the cost of our planet. This comprehensive research is powered by the first-hand experiences of 15 million users and backed by our rigorous editorial insights to define the new gold standard in travel,” Keshan said.

The top five airports in the ranking are Dubai International, Singapore Changi, San Francisco International, Hartsfield-Jackson International Atlanta and London Heathrow. Vancouver comes next, followed by Istanbul Airport and Toronto Pearson.

Here are the comments on the two Canadian airports in the top 10:

YVR: “Vancouver International combines passenger-focused digital services with advanced border processing, smart security screening, and predictive operations management. Its investment in biometrics, real-time analytics, and sustainability-driven infrastructure enables efficient international connectivity, improved passenger experience, and resilient terminal operations, positioning YVR as a leading smart gateway between North America and Asia-Pacific markets.”

YVR: “Toronto Pearson applies smart airport technologies including biometric processing, predictive analytics, and automated baggage systems to enhance operational efficiency. Integrated data platforms support passenger flow optimization and airside coordination, while digital wayfinding and contactless services improve traveler experience, reinforcing Pearson’s role as Canada’s most technologically advanced and globally connected aviation hub.”