6 Most Beautiful Airports of 2025, According to Prix Versailles

The Prix Versailles awards, backed by UNESCO, spotlight exemplary airport designs that fuse operational efficiency with ecological innovation and visual appeal. For 2025, six standout terminals across continents have earned this distinction, transforming air travel into an architectural delight.

Why Airport Beauty Matters Today

Modern airports transcend mere transit points; they embody cultural identity, environmental responsibility, and passenger well-being. These 2025 honorees demonstrate how sweeping roofs mimicking natural landscapes, vast timber structures, and light-optimized spaces elevate the journey. Selected for their harmony of form and function, they set benchmarks in sustainable aviation infrastructure.

Topping the List: Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2, China

Nestled in Yantai, this 167,000-square-meter marvel draws inspiration from the nearby coastal terrain and majestic Kunyu Mountain. Its fluid rooflines undulate like waves, creating a seamless blend of structure and scenery that welcomes travelers with serene elegance.

• Key Design Elements: Curved facades echoing ocean swells and mountain contours.
• Sustainability Features: Energy-efficient materials and natural ventilation systems.
• Passenger Perks: Expansive lounges flooded with daylight for reduced stress during layovers.

This terminal not only facilitates smooth operations but also instills a sense of place, making arrivals feel like stepping into a living artwork.

Marseille Provence Airport Terminal 1, France

In Marignane, this revamped hub channels the Mediterranean’s vibrancy through luminous interiors and open layouts. Natural light pours in via expansive glazing, paired with local stone accents that evoke Provençal heritage.

Engineers prioritized bioclimatic principles, ensuring the space adapts to Marseille’s sunny climate while minimizing carbon output.

Roland Garros Airport Arrivals Terminal, Réunion Island

This 13,000-square-meter newcomer on the French Indian Ocean territory pioneers tropical bioclimatic design at scale. Overhanging roofs shield against intense sun, while cross-ventilation harnesses trade winds for cooling.

• Ventilated facades preventing overheating.
• Rainwater harvesting integrated into landscaping.
• Indoor tropical gardens offering respite from tropical heat.

As the first of its kind, it models how island airports can thrive sustainably amid climate challenges, blending verdant exteriors with efficient interiors.

Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, Japan

Built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, this engineering feat boasts a 1.8-kilometer-long terminal with a rooftop observation deck overlooking the sea. Recent enhancements emphasize seismic resilience and minimalist aesthetics true to Japanese precision.

The structure’s elongated form optimizes passenger flow, with automated systems and serene wooden accents creating a futuristic yet calming atmosphere. Its watery foundation underscores human ingenuity against nature’s forces.

Portland International Airport Main Terminal, USA

In Oregon, the main terminal’s 36,000-square-meter mass timber roof—crafted from sustainable local wood—mirrors the city’s grid-like streets below. This innovative material sequesters carbon while providing acoustic comfort.

The design weaves in Pacific Northwest flora, with living walls and water features that refresh amid urban bustle.

San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1, USA

SFO’s Terminal 1, with 25 new gates, honors Harvey Milk through inclusive art and rainbow-hued lighting. Its light-drenched halls and cultural nods make bold statements on diversity and green building.

• Sustainable aviation fuel integration points.
• Biophilic elements like vertical gardens.
• Art honoring LGBTQ+ iconography.

Official statements highlight its role in delivering seamless, inspiring experiences aligned with California’s progressive ethos.

Design Trends Shaping These Airports

Common threads among the 2025 winners include biophilic integration, where nature motifs reduce traveler anxiety; advanced materials like cross-laminated timber for eco-footprints; and smart tech for intuitive navigation. These hubs prioritize post-pandemic needs: spaciousness, hygiene, and wellness amenities.

• Bioclimatic Adaptation: Tailored to local climates, from tropical shades to seismic reinforcements.
• Cultural Storytelling: Local art and motifs fostering belonging.
• Green Certifications: Many pursue LEED Platinum, emphasizing lifecycle sustainability.

Impact on Global Travel

These airports influence worldwide standards, proving beauty boosts efficiency—shorter dwell times, higher satisfaction scores. As aviation eyes net-zero by 2050, their models accelerate adoption of low-impact designs. Travelers report 15-20% mood improvements in such spaces, per industry surveys.

Looking ahead, December 2025 will crown overall Prix Versailles winners in interior or exterior categories from this list, heightening anticipation.

Comparing the Winners

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria does Prix Versailles use for airports?

It evaluates operational flow, environmental integration, and aesthetic innovation, partnering with UNESCO for global impact.

Are these airports open to the public?

Yes, all are operational, with some like Portland offering public tours of sustainable features.

How do they promote sustainability?

Through local materials, renewable energy, and designs minimizing operational emissions, aligning with ICAO green airport guidelines.

Which is best for long layovers?

Yantai and SFO excel with lounges, gardens, and cultural spots ideal for extended stays.

Will there be more winners announced?

Yes, top prizes in December 2025 from this shortlist.

Plan Your Visit

Incorporate these gems into itineraries: Fly into Yantai for coastal China, or time a Marseille stopover for Riviera vibes. Their designs make every journey memorable, blending transit with inspiration.