Passengers are taking to the skies in style.
The Versailles Prize has revealed its selection of the seven most stunning airports globally for 2026.
This list is curated by the Château de Versailles, celebrating airports and other architectural achievements that stand out for their unique designs.
The awards aim to spotlight airports that excel in efficient boarding processes while also emphasizing sustainability and speed.
Among the winners are two airports from the United States: San Diego International Airport (SAN) Terminal 1 and Pittsburgh International Airport. Despite long TSA lines, SAN was recognized for innovations in Terminal 1 that cut down carbon emissions and improved transportation and parking efficiency. Pittsburgh Airport also received accolades for its nature-inspired design.
San Diego International Airport Terminal 1, San Diego, USA
Architects sought to capture the warm natural light synonymous with the Sunshine State in their redesign of San Diego Airport, adding an outdoor terrace for waiting passengers. Gensler revamped the nation’s busiest single-runway airport, incorporating new roads, parking options, and streamlined gateways for a more efficient boarding experience. The striking curved glass structure, soaring 244 meters, floods the space with light while echoing the city’s climate and character. Notably, the removal of structural columns has allowed for a 30% reduction in the airport’s carbon footprint, and a newly added outdoor terrace offers relaxing lounges and concessions with views of the bay.
Pittsburgh International Airport, Pittsburgh, United States
This airport pays tribute to the nearby Allegheny Mountains through a blend of indoor and outdoor canopy elements. It features tree-like columns and warm tones illuminated by the natural light streaming through its glass walls. Travelers can unwind on four outdoor terraces, including the “Petal Tunnel,” which is inspired by the iconic Fort Pitt Tunnel, a well-known route at the base of Mount Washington.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3, Guangzhou, China
Recognized for its innovative design, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3 integrates botanical themes with its architecture, featuring a sequence of terraces, atriums, and gardens that reflect thousands of years of cultural heritage. It boasts the highest outdoor public observation deck of any airport in China, incorporating elements of Lingnan culture through an outdoor courtyard and intricate wooden details.
Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3, Frankfurt, Germany
Designed by Christoph Muckler, this terminal captures a vibrant urban atmosphere, where boarding gates and lounges emulate city streets and squares. Innovative features include three suspended, rotating ring-shaped sculptures, adding a unique visual aspect that aligns with a modern aesthetic.
Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport Terminal 2, Guwahati, India
This terminal, one of two Indian airports recognized, is renowned for its remarkable passenger arrival experience. Architect Nur Karim drew inspiration from bamboo to create a striking vaulted ceiling supported by bamboo-like beams. The waiting area will showcase tribal tales, indigenous artwork, and local craftsmanship to infuse cultural richness and emotion into the space.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Terminal 1, Navi Mumbai, India
The second Indian airport on the list, set to open in 2025, will feature a mix of futuristic design and practical functionality. Zaha Hadid envisioned a layout inspired by lotus flowers, with ceilings that evoke the image of flower petals unfurling in sunlight. Additionally, strategic pause points within the terminal will feature interactive digital art.
Techo International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This airport reflects Cambodian architectural traditions with its grand roof canopy, drawing on influences from local palaces and temples. The ceiling design, inspired by traditional bamboo and wicker weaving, prioritizes efficiency, ensuring a short walk from drop-off areas to boarding gates.
