The latest rankings of the world’s top airports are out, and there’s a new Aussie No.1.

Sydney has overtaken Brisbane to be crowned Australia’s best for 2018 in the latest Skytrax World’s Top 100 Airports list.

The airport awards are one of the most prestigious aviation honours, voted for by international air travellers around the world.

Sydney just snuck into the world’s top 20 (up three spots from last year), while Brisbane was ranked just two spots behind at No.22 in the world (down from 16 last year).

Melbourne was Australia’s next best, at No.27 in the world (up three spots) — and claiming big recognition for its Terminal 4, which was named the third best low-cost terminal in the world.

The terminal, which opened in 2015, has previously copped criticism, particularly from Jetstar passengers upset over the long walks to the gate.

THE AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE HAS JUST ARRIVED

WORLD’S MOST AMAZING AIRPORTS

THE STRANGEST JOB AT THE AIRPORT

THE SEVEN RULES OF FLYING I LIVE BY

Meanwhile, the Gold Coast came in at No.55 (down five spots).

The biggest Aussie improver was Perth, which jumped 12 spots in the rankings to come in at No.59 — and was named the second most improved airport in the world after Rome Fiumicino.

Rounding out the big six Aussie airports was Adelaide, which dropped down the rankings to No.78 — five spots lower than last year, and its worst ranking in recent years.

That said, the most recent reviews of the airport posted by travellers on the Skytrax site are glowing.

“I had an unexpected emergency landing at Adelaide Airport in October, and I only have praise for the staff working here,” says one.

“This airport is very modern and a quite lovely experience when travelling here,” says another.

By contrast, recent reviews of Sydney Airport posted on the site are largely scathing.

One labels it “confused, chaotic, poorly signed and has inferior pedestrian and auto access”,

and another, “the worst airport on the planet”.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Share your top airport experiences on our Facebook page.

Despite the reviews that appear at odds with its rankings, Skytrax says its top 100 list was determined by 13.73 million questionnaires covering more than 550 airports around the world, with 39 criteria covering check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration through to departure at the gate.

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said: “We congratulate Sydney Airport for their success in winning this important customer satisfaction award for 2018, amidst some serious competition particularly from airports in Australia. It demonstrates how much Sydney Airport continues to improve standards of customer service to be recognised as the Best Airport in the Australia/Pacific region.”

Internationally, Singapore’s Changi Airport retained its No.1 ranking for the sixth year running.

WORLD’S TOP 10 AIRPORTS FOR 2018

1. Singapore Changi

2. Incheon

3. Tokyo Haneda

4. Hong Kong

5. Doha Hamad

6. Munich

7. Centrair Nagoya

8. London Heathrow

9. Zurich

10. Frankfurt

Source: Skytrax

TOP AUSSIE AIRPORTS (WORLD RANKINGS)

20. Sydney

22. Brisbane

27. Melbourne

55. Gold Coast

59. Perth

78. Adelaide

See the full list of Skytrax’s top 100 airports.

For more travel news and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter.