Top 6 world’s most beautiful airports: From design and architecture to engineering marvels; see who tops list

The Prix Versailles awards has named six airports among the most beautiful in the world for 2025. Yantai Penglai International Airport in China has been declared the world’s most beautiful airport of 2025 by the Prix Versailles awards.The airport’s newly built Terminal 2 was picked as the global winner among the six. It stood out for its coastal-inspired design, large size, and thoughtful architecture, according to ET.

Here are the top 6 most beautiful airports of 2025:

1. Yantai Penglai International Airport, Terminal 2 – Yantai, ChinaTerminal 2 spans 167,000 square metres and is inspired by the city’s maritime history. Its E-shaped layout helps with smooth passenger movement while blending with the natural surroundings.A major highlight is a large, multi-level atrium topped by a glass dome that lets in natural light.The interiors use soft curves and earthy colours to reflect Yantai’s coastal environment. Designers have also added shapes that resemble wooden ship hulls, honouring the Maritime Silk Road.2. Marseille Provence Airport, Terminal 1 – Marignane, FranceThis terminal features a 22-metre-high hall made with 70% recycled steel and topped with skylights for natural airflow. Travellers pass through a wooden security canopy, and shop areas are also designed in timber, inspired by the boat houses of Marseille’s Old Port.The design combines the original vision of Fernand Pouillon from the 1960s with work by Richard Rogers in the 1990s.3. Roland Garros Airport, Arrivals Terminal – Réunion Island, FranceThis terminal earned third place and is recognised as the world’s first large-scale tropical bioclimatic airport.This airport is celebrated as the world’s first large-scale tropical bioclimatic airport, using a central architectural “canyon” and natural ventilation to manage temperature. It is built with 91% local materials and labour and prioritises sustainability in a tropical setting, according to Archinect.4. Kansai International Airport, Terminal 1 – Osaka, JapanThe airport was originally designed by Renzo Piano and is still the longest in the world.The terminal was built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, and its aerodynamic roof and recent upgrades, like natural finishes and a smart queue system, give it a modern, distinctly Japanese feel.5. Portland International Airport, Main Terminal – Portland, United StatesThe new main terminal at Portland International Airport opened in August 2024. It has a huge wooden roof the size of 9 football fields. Inside, it looks like a forest from the Pacific Northwest, with over 5,000 real trees and plants.The terminal uses wood from nearby areas and has big windows that let in natural light. To make travellers feel relaxed, there are even friendly llamas and alpacas you can meet. The design focuses on nature, comfort, and using eco-friendly materials.6. San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 1 – San Francisco, United StatesHarvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco Airport is one of the greenest airport terminals in the world. It uses over 40% less energy with the help of solar panels and smart building materials.The terminal has bright, nature-inspired spaces that help people feel calm. It also has the world’s first airport museum and celebrates Bay Area values like caring for the planet and including everyone.The Prix Versailles list is known for celebrating outstanding design in public buildings. This year’s airport winners also include entries from France, Japan, and the United States. However, Singapore’s iconic Changi Airport did not make the 2025 list.