The World’s Most Expensive (and Cheapest) Airports to Be Stranded In

February 4, 2026

The World’s Most Expensive (and Cheapest) Airports to Be Stranded In

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 February 2026 — Getting 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 traveler is most likely to need: a fast-food meal, a coffee, bottled water, public transport to the city center, a one-night stay in a nearby three-star hotel, and a toothbrush.

Results show staggering differences: while travelers 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.” said Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor. “In some airports, the essentials cost less than a cinema ticket. In others, they rival the price of a weekend getaway.”

TOP 10 most expensive airports to be stranded

New York (JFK), USA — RM1,324.17
Los Angeles (LAX), USA — RM1,051.08
Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland —RM792.36
Sydney (SYD), Australia — RM785.31
Madrid (MAD), Spain — RM785.08
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France — RM767.47
Oslo (OSL), Norway — RM636.11
London Heathrow (LHR), UK — RM633.56
Dubai (DXB), UAE — RM538.59
Hong Kong (HKG), China — RM531.10

TOP 10 cheapest airports to be stranded

Delhi (DEL), India — RM101.74
Bangkok (BKK), Thailand — RM185.17
Beijing Daxing (PKX), China — RM194.47
Bogotá (BOG), Colombia — RM240.87
Doha (DOH), Qatar — RM284.57
Cairo (CAI), Egypt — RM290.93
Shanghai Pudong (PVG), China — RM312.55
Seoul Incheon (ICN), South Korea — RM360.96
São Paulo (GRU), Brazil — RM362.75
Istanbul (IST), Turkey — RM365.88

Key insights

U.S. 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 traveler 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.
Asia generally remains budget-friendly. Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Bangkok all offer hotels under RM282 and meals around RM23 – 37.
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 Bogotá 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.

Why prices differ so widely

Airport costs are almost always higher than in city centers, but the reasons go beyond simple mark-ups. “Airports operate in a unique environment where both businesses and travelers have limited flexibility,” explains Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor. “Once you’re past security, you become a captive customer, and that lack of competition drives prices up.”

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 U.S., even mid-range airport hotels can cost over RM610 a night, while in India or China, equivalent rooms are closer to RM94–140.

Together, these factors explain why the cost of being stranded can swing so dramatically, from a relatively minor inconvenience in Delhi to a major financial hit in New York or Zurich.

A reminder for travelers

Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, reminds passengers that preparation and awareness are key when disruptions strike. “Carrying small essentials like snacks, a refillable water bottle, and basic toiletries can save you from paying inflated airport prices,” he says.

“Just as importantly, travelers should know their rights. Internationally, the Montreal Convention gives passengers the right to reimbursement for documented expenses.”

Radchenko adds: “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.”

Methodology

The study analyzed the cost of six essentials: a fast-food meal (burger, fries, drink), a coffee, a one-liter bottle of water, public transport to the city center, a one-night stay in a nearby three-star hotel, and a toothbrush. 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.