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This week’s travel highlights feature vibrant neighborhoods around the globe, top cities for younger generations, and the airports with the strongest international connectivity. A prestigious new award also reveals the best North American restaurants of the year.

Most globally connected airports

It's been a turbulent week in the aviation sector.

Airports in Brussels and Berlin faced disruptions from cyberattacks over the weekend, while sightings of drones led to airport shutdowns in Denmark and Norway during the week.

As more people travel than ever—global capacity has jumped by 33% in the past 10 years, topping six billion seats annually—challenges like these showcase the fragility of international connectivity, as highlighted in the Megahubs 2025 report by travel analytics firm OAG.

The study ranks the busiest and most connected airports based on routing options and scheduled flights.

For the third consecutive year, London Heathrow was named the most globally connected airport—ideal for around-the-world travelers. Other top airports shifted in ranking.

Istanbul rose to second place from eighth, and Amsterdam Schiphol advanced to third from fourth.

Frankfurt moved up from tenth to a tie for fourth with Kuala Lumpur, which was second last year.

Several Asian hubs saw declines. Seoul Incheon slipped to sixth from fifth, and Tokyo Haneda fell from third to ninth.

Meanwhile, U.S. airports are gaining momentum. Chicago O’Hare leaped two spots to seventh by adding 15 new routes. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, already the largest by seat capacity, climbed back into the top ten at number eight.

Texas airports are also edging up. Dallas Fort-Worth moved to 13th from 18th, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental soared from 29th to 18th.

Coolest neighborhoods and top cities for Gen Z

So what next after landing at these top global airports?

Head to the trendiest local hot spots, of course.

Time Out released its 2025 list of the world’s most fashionable neighborhoods. Travelers arriving at Heathrow might explore Camberwell in south London, which ranked fourth for its diversity and independent culture.

In Kuala Lumpur, Mont Kiara came in at number 32, with recognition for its artisan bakeries, stylish fitness centers, and unique café culture.

Time Out’s top-ranked neighborhood is also connected to a global megahub—it’s a Tokyo district known for its creative scene and literary heritage, described as a dream for book lovers.

Bangkok didn’t make this neighborhood list, but the city was recognized as the best in the world for twenty-somethings earlier this year.

Melbourne placed second among Gen Z cities, thanks to cultural offerings and diverse food scenes in neighborhoods like North Melbourne.

New York follows at number four for young travelers. Its trendiest district, Red Hook, lacks a subway link, but buses and a complimentary ferry offer alternative routes.

Top North American restaurants

In Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, a small Korean restaurant with just 14 seats shaped around a U-shaped counter has earned the title of North America’s top dining spot.

The first edition of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants named Atomix as number one, applauding its innovative blend of cuisine, drinks, and atmosphere that redefines Korean fine dining.

Second place went to Mon Lapin, a French-Italian eatery in Montreal’s Little Italy run by a husband-and-wife team. With dishes that change daily, the kitchen is known for its creative pairings like tomato ice cream or squash with pig’s head and local seeds.

Third place was taken by Restaurant Pearl Morissette, located in a scenic wine region in Canada. The establishment provides a seasonal dining experience surrounded by vineyards, a farm, and orchards.

A look inside Cambodia’s newest airport

Phnom Penh is now home to Techo Takhmao International Airport—a modern facility inspired by tradition and designed for the future. CNN Travel’s Lilit Marcus visited while the airport was still under construction this summer.

In case you missed these stories

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Machu Picchu’s status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World may be in jeopardy.

New York’s Atomix is bringing fresh attention to Korean cuisine with its innovative approach.

We’re celebrating 40 must-try Korean dishes that define the country’s culinary legacy.

Feeling curious about Canada’s food culture after reading about its top restaurants? Here are 20 dishes that showcase its regional variety and cultural richness.