When you think of beautiful architecture, airports probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Castles? Sure. Cathedrals? Absolutely. Museums? Of course.
The place where you just paid $8 for a bottle of water and are power-walking to Gate B27 because your flight boards in 12 minutes?
Probably not.
But every year, the Prix Versailles—often called the “Oscars of architecture”—recognizes some of the world’s most impressive public buildings. And since 2020, that has included airport terminals.
The awards don’t just look at whether a building is pretty. They also consider things like sustainability, innovation, passenger experience and how well the architecture fits its surroundings.
The 2026 winners were recently announced and seven airport terminals around the world made the list. Better yet, two of them are right here in the United States.
Here’s a look at the airports that earned a spot on this year’s list.
The 2026 World’s Most Beautiful Airport Terminals
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Terminal 3
Opened on October 30, 2025, Terminal 3 is a major expansion of one of China’s busiest airports.
Inspired by the Lingnan region, the terminal incorporates flowing shapes based on clouds, water and flowers. Gardens, terraces and large atriums are woven throughout the building, which also features the highest open-air public observation deck at any airport in China.
Frankfurt Airport, Terminal 3
Frankfurt’s new Terminal 3 opened on April 23, 2026.
Designed by architect Christoph Mäckler, the terminal uses Jura limestone and travertine throughout the piers and public spaces, which were intentionally designed to resemble city streets and plazas. Three massive rotating sculptures made from colored aluminum discs hang above the concourses.
Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, Terminal 2
Opened on February 22, 2026, this is being promoted as India’s first nature-themed airport terminal.
The design combines bamboo, orchids and modern technology to create a terminal that celebrates the culture and landscape of Northeast India.
Navi Mumbai International Airport, Terminal 1
Navi Mumbai’s new airport opened in 2025 as a second airport serving India’s largest city.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the terminal is inspired by the lotus flower, with the motif appearing from the sweeping roofline all the way down to the columns at the entrances.
Techo International Airport
Designed by Foster + Partners, Techo International Airport will replace Cambodia’s aging Phnom Penh International Airport.
Its dramatic wave-like roof echoes the silhouettes of Khmer temples, while the ceiling incorporates patterns inspired by bamboo and rattan weaving. Rumduol trees—Cambodia’s national flower—grow inside the terminal.
Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh’s new $1.7 billion landside terminal opened in November 2025, replacing the airport’s original 1992 facility.
The rolling roofline was inspired by the nearby Allegheny Mountains, while 38 tree-like steel columns support the canopy inside. Travelers also pass through the new Petal Tunnel, a tribute to the city’s famous Fort Pitt Tunnel.
San Diego International Airport, Terminal 1
San Diego’s new Terminal 1 replaces the decades-old building at America’s busiest single-runway airport.
Its signature feature is a sweeping 244-meter curved glass façade designed with artist and architect James Carpenter. The design fills the terminal with natural light while reducing glare, and eliminating structural columns from the ticketing hall also helped reduce the building’s carbon footprint by 30%.
Airports may never be anyone’s favorite part of traveling. But every once in a while, one comes along that’s worth looking at instead of just rushing through.
Of course, even the world’s most beautiful airport still can’t make a $24 airport cheeseburger seem like a good deal.
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