Forget about Singapore. They called this airport the most beautiful in the world
What must an airport have to be considered the most beautiful? It depends on who evaluates them. Here’s how famous architects chose.
There are many airport rankings. Those where aesthetic considerations and architecture count, too. Until now, the first place was often awarded to the port of Singapore Changi. Quite recently, the winner in the most beautiful category was selected in the prestigious Prix Versailles competition and it is a port from India. There are a total of 7 gems on the list.
They chose the most beautiful airports
In general, the Prix Versailles competition creates different categories for architectural objects. However, we are talking about the World’s Most Beautiful Airports list for 2026. The results were shared, among others: on the Instagram profile @archinect, but also on the ad-magazin.de website.
Seven newly opened airports and terminals were selected whose architectural elements reflected the identity of their regions and eras. Highest on the list are: Terminal 2 of the International Airport Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi in India and Terminal No. 1 3, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China.
The inspiration for creating the object from India was the bamboo orchid, a plant that produces abundant flowers in spring and winter. This was used in the design by architect Nuru Karima, thanks to whom the terminal resembles a huge bamboo forest. Organic patterns can be seen on the ceilings, marking the course of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, which is intended to facilitate orientation in the area.
Prix Versailles winners
In addition to the mentioned ports, the architects chose:
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Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,
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Terminal 3 of Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt am Main,
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Terminal 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport in India,
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Pittsburgh International Airport (USA),
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San Diego International Airport, Terminal 1, (USA).
Words of delight and congratulations immediately appeared under the post with the competition results. “Beautiful”, “Amazing, mind-blowing work”, “Stunning” – we read in the comments section.
The plebiscite proves that today airports are not only places where we show up with a suitcase to quickly check-in and board the plane, but also are works of art that can intrigue and be admired.
