The world’s most beautiful airports have been named for 2025 - and it’s not Singapore
For many of us, airports are simply the means through which we get from A to B when travelling.
A lot of the time we're probably more busy rushing about than actually taking the time to truly appreciate the terminals we're in.
Of course, some airports stand out for their aesthetics (as much as their operations) more than others. This year, an airport in the US has been called out as the 'most beautiful' in the world.
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Airports can be more than just bustling transit hubs. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Architectural competition the Prix Versailles calls out top terminals around the world each year, before awarding a World Title, with San Francisco International Airport taking the crown as the ‘most beautiful’ at the awards held late in December.
Specifically SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which featured on the overall 2025 list, was commended for its achievements in areas including sustainability and innovation, cultural significance, passenger experience and architectural excellence.
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It recently underwent a multi-billion dollar redevelopment to add remodelled departure gates, facades, and ticket counters.
Prix Versailles also pointed out the work to achieve a 79 per cent carbon footprint and 59 per cent energy usage reductions.
It is the world's first airport terminal named after an LGBTQ+ leader, with museum galleries honouring Harvey Milk, an American politician who was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California.
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The San Francisco International Airport has been crowned the world's most beautiful. Getty
It recently underwent a multi-billion dollar redevelopment. Jason O’Rear
"With its 25 new boarding gates, Terminal 1 is the fruit of an ambitious transformation," wrote Prix Versailles in a press release.
"With soft natural light filtering through to every level, the new terminal provides a soothing, restorative setting for travellers."
Other airports recognised by the awards included Marseille Provence Terminal 1 in France, which was lauded for its interior design.
Also in France, Roland Garros Airport Arrivals Terminal is considered the world's first tropical bioclimatic airport structure.
China's Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2 is praised for its natural light. 404 nf studio
A frontrunner in 2025, China's Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2 was once again praised for a unique coastal design and natural light.
Meanwhile, Japan's Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 was also called out for its architectural excellence.
Since 2015, the Prix Versailles has been presented annually at UNESCO, celebrating the world's most outstanding contemporary architecture.
Each year, the prestigious World Jury awards twenty-four World Titles across categories including airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports facilities, museums, emporiums, hotels and restaurants.
In 2025, Sydney's Gadigal Metro station was called out among the most beautiful passengers stations in the world.
