These are the world's most beautiful airport terminals
When you think of beautiful buildings, airports may not be the first to spring to mind.
Often grey monoliths, these transport hubs can be function over form.
But in some cases, more planning has been put into the look and feel of the terminals and now six have been chosen as the world's most beautiful airports.
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This is the world's 'most beautiful' airport. 404 nf studio
The winners have been announced by Unesco's Prix Versailles which honours the world's "finest contemporary projects".
Secretary general of the Prix Versailles, Jérôme Gouadain, said these facilities "can... be seen as works of art, or at least as things of beauty".
"Orientated towards operational, ecological and aesthetic excellence, these hubs also convey shared values, culture or even a tribute to the past, out of respect for the legacies left behind by earlier generations.
"In the light of the planetary challenges facing us today, it is time for these expressive images of our contemporary heritage to be asserted as symbols of humankind's internal dialogue."
Here's a look at the best of the best and why they were picked.
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The airport in Yantai is "a new emblem for the Shandong Peninsula". 404 nf studio
Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2
Yantai, China
Size: 167,000m²
Buzz words: Openness, interconnectedness.
In a nutshell: "The terminal's E-shaped layout was developed to optimise passenger flow and minimise the impact on the existing terrain. Operational flexibility, allowing the spaces to be adapted as needed in real time, was a key consideration."
Travellers go through security in Marseille under a timber canopy. Aéroport Marseille Provence
Marseille Provence Airport Terminal 1
Marignane, France
Size: A 22,000m² extension
Buzz words: Peace, relaxation.
In a nutshell: "This window-lined hall standing 22 metres tall was built of 70 per cent recycled steel and features an inverted beam roof and a grid of skylights framed with polished aluminium allowing for natural ventilation."
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The terminal on Réunion Island is the world's first tropical bioclimatic airport structure at this scale. Studio Lumière
Roland Garros Airport Arrivals Terminal
Réunion Island, France
Size: 13,000m²
Buzz words: Sensory journey.
In a nutshell: "The world's first tropical bioclimatic airport structure at this scale. On Réunion Island, trade winds are a blessing, so 830 sets of louvred shutters connected to sensors on the façades adjust their angles in real time in response to changing weather conditions."
Kansai International Airport is an"architectural icon". Olivier Capa-Vinci
Kansai International Airport Terminal 1
Osaka, Japan
Size: 296,043 m²
Buzz words: Icon, elegant
In a nutshell: "All the interior spaces have been reinvigorated with a palette of natural materials to give the terminal a distinctly Japanese feel. In parallel to this reconfiguration, a smart queue management system now delivers streamlined solutions for passengers."
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The timber roof in Portland extends over more 36,000 m². Ema Peter
Portland International Airport Main Terminal
Portland, US
Size: 93,000m²
Buzz words: Calming, immersive
In a nutshell: "The spectacularly scaled structure promotes access to natural light, views of the forested landscape, and the incorporation of a multitude of biophilic elements. A resplendently staged renovation that is both sustainable and functional."
The San Francisco terminal is home to the world's only accredited museum at an airport. Jason O’Rear
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1
San Francisco, US
Size: 83,600m²
Buzz words: Radical, ambitious
In a nutshell: "With soft natural light filtering through to every level, the new terminal provides a soothing, restorative setting for travellers. The architecture unfurls in a celebration of arts and crafts that reflects the unique character of the Bay Area."
The world's most family-friendly airports for 2025
Skytrax has announced the winners of their airport awards for 2025, crowning Istanbul as the most family-friendly airport in the world.
The airport in Turkey has facilities for parents and kids, designed to make every journey smooth and tantrum-free.
Istanbul Airport has many facilities for families. Istanbul Airport
It has dedicated family security lanes, multiple play areas at strategic areas through the terminals, luxurious nursing and baby care rooms, and private spaces for parents.
Singapore's Changi Airport came in second place, with its legendary Butterfly Garden, indoor waterfall, and movie theatre.
It also has priority boarding for families, complimentary pram services, and dedicated quiet zones for families needing a break from terminal bustle.
Seoul's Incheon Airport was ranked third, thanks in part to its comprehensive medical facilities equipped to handle pediatric emergencies.
According to Skytrax, the world's most family-friendly airports in 2025 are:
- Istanbul Airport
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Seoul Incheon International Airport
- Tokyo Narita International Airport
- Bahrain International Airport
- Munich International Airport
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Hamad International Airport, Doha
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Rome Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci" Airport
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