20/02/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | FEB 20, 2026

12

Top 10 most expensive airports to be stranded

1. New York (JFK), USA – RM1,324.17 2. Los Angeles (LAX), USA – RM1,051.08 3. Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland – RM792.36 4. Sydney (SYD), Australia – RM785.31 5. Madrid (MAD), Spain – RM785.08 6. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France – RM767.47 7. Oslo (OSL), Norway – RM636.11 8. London Heathrow (LHR), UK – RM633.56 9. Dubai (DXB), UAE – RM538.59 10.Hong Kong (HKG), China – RM531.10 1. Delhi (DEL), India – RM101.74 2. Bangkok (BKK), Thailand – RM185.17 3. Beijing Daxing (PKX), China – RM194.47 4. Bogotá (BOG), Colombia – RM240.87 5. Doha (DOH), Qatar – RM284.57 6. Cairo (CAI), Egypt – RM290.93 7. Shanghai Pudong (PVG), China – RM312.55 8. Seoul Incheon (ICN), South Korea – RM360.96 9. São Paulo (GRU), Brazil – RM362.75 10. Istanbul (IST), Turkey – RM365.88 Top 10 cheapest airports to be stranded

Travellers at New York’s JFK, among the world’s most costliest places to be stranded, pay nearly RM1,325 for a day’s basics.

Comparing world’s most expensive, cheapest airports

G ETTING stranded overnight at an airport is stressful. But a new study by AirAdvisor shows it can also be shockingly expensive – or surprisingly affordable, depending on where it happens. The research compared the cost of a set of essentials a stranded traveller is most likely to need: a fast-food meal, a coffee, bottled water, public transport to the city centre, a one-night stay in a nearby three-star hotel and a toothbrush. Results show staggering differences: While travellers at New York’s JFK pay nearly RM1,325 for a day’s basics, those at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International spend just RM102 – a 13-fold gap. “We estimate that up to 30 million passengers worldwide in 2025 had to spend at least one night stranded at or near an airport, paying for hotels, food and other basics. In some airports, the essentials cost less than a cinema ticket. In others, they rival the price of a weekend getaway,” said AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko. Key insights US airports dominate the top end. JFK and LAX are the world’s costliest places to be stranded, driven by expensive hotels and food. Even bottled water can cost RM23.50. India is the clear outlier for affordability. Delhi is the cheapest hub in the world, where a stranded traveller can find a three-star hotel for as little as RM75 and a fast-food meal for RM9.40. Europe is consistently expensive. Zurich, Oslo, Paris, London and Madrid all appear in the top 10 priciest airports.

relatively minor inconvenience in Delhi to a major financial hit in New York or Zurich. Reminder for travellers Radchenko reminds passengers that preparation and awareness are key when disruptions strike. “Carrying small essentials such as snacks, a refillable water bottle and basic toiletries can save you from paying inflated airport prices. Just as importantly, travellers should know their rights. Internationally, the Montreal Convention gives passengers the right to reimbursement for documented expenses,” he said. Radchenko added: “Wherever you are, keep receipts, ask about your entitlements and don’t be afraid to claim what you’re owed. A little preparation and knowledge can turn a stressful overnight delay into something far more manageable.” For the study, airports were selected from Airports Council International’s Top 50 by passenger traffic, with no more than two per country. The final sample was refined using OAG Megahubs connectivity data to ensure global coverage across all continents.

o Huge gulf between East, West on how much travellers have to fork out on basics if they are stranded

Why prices differ so widely Airport costs are almost always higher than in city centres, but the reasons go beyond simple mark-ups. “Airports operate in a unique environment where businesses and travellers have limited flexibility. Once you’re past security, you become a captive customer and that lack of competition drives prices up,” explained Radchenko. Inside terminals, retailers and restaurants face premium rents, concession fees and higher staffing costs, all of which are passed on to passengers. At the same time, local economics amplify the gap: In Switzerland, Norway or the US, even mid-range airport hotels can cost over RM610 a night, while in India or China, equivalent rooms are closer to RM94–RM140. Together, these factors explain why the cost of being stranded can swing so dramatically, from a

Asia generally remains budget-friendly. Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Bangkok all offer hotels under RM282 and meals around RM23–RM37. Istanbul paradox: Despite food and drink prices among the highest worldwide (RM119 for a fast food meal, RM28 for water), Istanbul remains one of the cheapest overall thanks to hotel rates averaging just RM141. For comparison: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) ranks slightly more expensive than Bogota but cheaper than Doha, with a total cost of RM242.06. KLIA lands among the world’s more affordable airports to get stranded, placing it in the lower-middle tier of global airport costs. A hotel nearby KLIA averages RM188, coffee at a cafe costs RM14.00, while a 500ml bottle of water can cost up to RM7.80.

A gateway to Hollywood glamour, LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world. – ALL PICS FROM AFP

Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand.