Seven of the Most Beautiful Airports in the World

Airport in Guwahati, India. Photo: narendramodi / Instagram

The new list of the world's most beautiful airports was presented at UNESCO headquarters as part of the prestigious architectural award Prix Versailles.

This international award annually recognizes facilities that most successfully combine creativity, reflection of local culture, and principles of ecological responsibility. When selecting winners, the jury evaluates not only the external appearance of the buildings but also how harmoniously they fit into the social context of the region.

According to the award organizers, modern terminals are no longer just transit spaces; they are becoming iconic objects of their era, helping to mitigate the conflict between the need for rapid movement and the human desire to spend time in a comfortable and inspiring environment. The Daily Mail presents seven airports that have been recognized as the most beautiful in the world.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Terminal 3 (Guangzhou, China)

Guangzhou, known as the "City of Flowers," is famous for its distinctive architecture, and Terminal 3 of Baiyun Airport successfully combines historical heritage with modern style. Nature was the main source of inspiration here: stylized motifs of clouds, water, and flowers form an intuitive, light-filled layout with smooth organic lines that guide passengers.

There are terraces, an atrium, and a garden here — including the highest open-air observation deck among Chinese airports.

Frankfurt Airport, Terminal 3 (Germany)

Terminal 3 of Frankfurt Airport was conceived as an efficient yet vibrant and dynamic space. To provide travelers with comfort and a sense of familiarity, its passages, boarding gates, and waiting areas resemble city streets and squares.

The architectural composition is complemented by three ring-shaped art objects suspended from the ceiling. They are assembled from colored aluminum discs and rotate continuously, creating an ever-changing and renewing landscape.

Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Terminal 2 (Guwahati, India)

This airport has one key feature that contributed to its win: it sincerely and fully embodies the spirit of India.

The wide arched ceilings, echoing the smooth natural lines, evoke sacred landscapes and unique architectural traditions. At the same time, folk art, ethnic themes, and local artisans' products are harmoniously integrated into the interiors.

Navi Mumbai International Airport, Terminal 1 (India)

Terminal 1 of Navi Mumbai Airport, which opened its doors in 2025, looks ultra-modern, and its lotus-shaped design gives the building artistic sophistication. A series of geometric portals creates a solemn, almost ceremonial atmosphere.

Dynamic interactive installations are located in key relaxation areas.

Techo International Airport (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

Although this major hub, located 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, symbolizes the country's renewal, it received its name from the depths of history – a title bestowed by the king upon heroes 500 years ago.

The main part of the space is located under a massive roof canopy, which ensures short distances from the drop-off zone to the boarding areas and facilitates easy navigation. The roof design pays homage to Cambodia's majestic palaces and temples, while the interior ceilings are inspired by traditional basket weaving art.

Pittsburgh International Airport (USA)

Thanks to its large-scale roofline, reminiscent of the nearby Allegheny Mountains, Pittsburgh Airport has become a new iconic symbol of the city. The architectural solution blends organically into the local landscape: 38 tree-shaped steel columns transform the interior into a kind of metallic forest.

Dynamic interactive installations are located in key relaxation areas.

Techo International Airport (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

Although this major hub, located 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, symbolizes the country's renewal, it received its name from the depths of history – a title bestowed by the king upon heroes 500 years ago.

The main part of the space is located under a massive roof canopy, which ensures short distances from the drop-off zone to the boarding areas and facilitates easy navigation. The roof design pays homage to Cambodia's majestic palaces and temples, while the interior ceilings are inspired by traditional basket weaving art.

Pittsburgh International Airport (USA)

Thanks to its large-scale roofline, reminiscent of the nearby Allegheny Mountains, Pittsburgh Airport has become a new iconic symbol of the city. The architectural solution blends organically into the local landscape: 38 tree-shaped steel columns transform the interior into a kind of metallic forest.

The glass-walled space is flooded with natural light, and four open terraces allow travelers to breathe fresh air.

San Diego International Airport, Terminal 1 (USA)

Terminal 1 of America's busiest single-runway airport has been completely transformed along with its access roads, parking lots, and multimodal transport hub.

Its most impressive detail is the curved glass facade, 244 meters long, which provides excellent natural lighting and fills the space with light and air. Open terraces overlook the bay, and multifunctional waiting areas significantly enhance the comfort level of the entire hub.

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