FlightLogic

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Advertiser disclosure — how this service works

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Athens International Airport (ATH) at 7.6/10.

Score comparison

Metric Beijing Capital International Airport Athens International Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.6
On-Time Performance 7.6 7.4
Passenger Experience 7.7 7.5
Facilities & Comfort 8.0 7.9
Lounge Score 8.4 7.8
City Beijing Athens
Country China Greece
Terminals 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) 1 terminal (main + satellite)
Annual passengers 73M+ 28M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy PEK — Beijing ATH — Athens
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Beijing, China · PEK · #1 in this comparison

Beijing Capital International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.6 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
  • Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
  • Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX) serves some carriers separately — check ticket carefully

Overview

Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.

Terminal 3 and Air China lounges

Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.

Athens, Greece · ATH · #2 in this comparison

Athens International Airport

1 terminal (main + satellite) · 28M+ passengers/year

7.6 / 10

How good is Athens International Airport?

Athens International Airport (ATH) scores 7.6/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.4), passenger experience (7.5), and facilities (7.9). Lounge quality rates 7.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Athens ATH scores 7.6/10 — Greece's main hub. Metro to city ~40 min. Aegean Star Alliance gateway for island connections. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-portugal-greece-2026 and /guides/athens-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.6 Very Good
On-time 7.4 Departure reliability
Experience 7.5 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.8 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.4
Passenger Experience
7.5
Facilities & Comfort
7.9
Lounge score 7.8/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK gateway to Athens and mainland Greece — ferry connections to islands from Piraeus
  • Aegean Airlines hub — Star Alliance connections to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete (domestic)
  • Metro Line 3 to Syntagma ~40 min — reliable city access
  • Aegean Business Lounge and Goldair lounge — Priority Pass accepted

Overview

Greece's primary hub — Aegean/Star Alliance gateway with dense UK schedule on BA, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and Aegean for mainland and island connections.

Islands and UK routing

Many UK travellers fly to ATH then connect domestically to Santorini (JTR) or Crete (HER) on Aegean or Ryanair — allow 2+ hours for international-to-domestic connections.

Direct UK–island seasonal routes exist on Jet2 and TUI in summer — compare total time vs ATH connection.

FAQ

Which is better, Beijing Capital International Airport or Athens International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Athens International Airport (ATH) at 7.6/10.

Which has better lounges, PEK or ATH?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher for lounges at 8.4/10, versus Athens International Airport at 7.8/10.

Which airport is more on-time, PEK or ATH?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has stronger on-time performance at 7.6/10 versus Athens International Airport (ATH) at 7.4/10.