Doncaster Sheffield Airport ranked best in UK '“ for third time in a yearÂ

The Finningley-based airport came top of an annual survey of passengers by consumer group Which? 

This comes after it topped a similar Which? poll in August last year to find the country's best small airport with fewer than 10 million passengers. 

And in July Saga members named the airport their favourite in the UK.

Robert Hough, chairman of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: 'We're proud to be judged the UK and the North's best airport, this is great recognition of the exceptional customer service offered by every single member of the team. 

'This has been a strong year for us, we have announced long-haul flights with TUI to Sandford, Florida, the region's only long-haul service and new Wizz routes to Hungary. We have expanded to over 55 routes with many more in the pipeline'

Ian Smith, director of commercial and passenger experience at DSA, he said: 'To win this award consistently, gives us great confidence in our plans for future growth and expansion.'

In the latest survey, DSA earned the highest score of 87 per cent after passengers were particularly impressed with its security queues, baggage reclaim, prices in shops and food outlets, seating, toilets and staff, all of which were given five stars.

The airport is set for a big future having recently revealed a masterplan to expand the site, including the formation of a new railway station.  

The research was based on a survey of 11, 265 passengers which was conducted in April and May. 

Scores were based on a combination of overall satisfaction and how likely respondents were to recommend the airport to a friend.

London Luton was rated as the country's worst airport. 

Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: "Travellers want to start their trips in the smoothest way, but long queues through airports and a lack of facilities can cast a rain cloud over any getaway.

"With new routes launching all the time, passengers have an increasing choice over not just who they fly with but where they fly from.

"If you can pick a smaller airport, choose Southend over Luton, and Doncaster Sheffield or Liverpool instead of Manchester, to get your holiday off to a better start."