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These Are the World’s Most Beautiful Airports, According to the 2025 Prix Versailles Awards

Can an airport truly be beautiful? For travelers familiar with chaos and long queues, the word "beauty" may not come to mind. But the Prix Versailles 2025—an international architecture competition unveiled at UNESCO headquarters in Paris—has redefined what it means for an airport to be both functional and breathtaking.

The annual event, founded in 2015, celebrates global commercial architecture in categories such as airports, hotels, campuses, train stations, and museums. The award honors projects that stand out for aesthetic quality, cultural impact, innovation, and sustainability.

This year, three airports from Japan, France, and the U.S. have been named among the world’s most beautiful. Here’s what makes them exceptional.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) Terminal 1 — Osaka, Japan

First opened in 1994 and designed by Italian architectural legend Renzo Piano, Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 remains a landmark in aviation design. Its signature asymmetrical roofline and panoramic ocean views have made it a favorite among architecture enthusiasts.

In 2025, the terminal unveiled a seven-year renovation led by global firm Populous, which increased capacity by 25% and gave the space a modern, airy feel. Enhancements include streamlined passenger flow, expanded natural lighting with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and warm, tactile materials that echo Japan’s design ethos of harmony and simplicity.

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) Terminal 1 — Marignane, France

After a three-year transformation and two-year closure, Terminal 1 at Marseille Provence Airport reopened in June 2024, revealing a stunning redesign by Foster + Partners.

The updated terminal features an inverted beam roof with a grid of glass skylights, channeling natural light throughout the space. By maximizing daylight and natural ventilation, the structure drastically reduces energy demands for cooling.

Among the standout features: indoor trees and tranquil design elements that create a calm, welcoming environment—a rare find in the world of air travel. The terminal now handles an additional 1.2 million passengers per year, combining beauty with performance.

Portland International Airport (PDX) Main Terminal — Portland, Oregon, USA

Known for its iconic carpet and indie food scene, PDX took its reputation to new heights in 2024 with a 1 million-square-foot terminal expansion. The new space embraces biophilic design, integrating nature to reduce stress and elevate the traveler experience.

The most striking feature is a 400,000-square-foot curved timber canopy, built with local, sustainably sourced materials from tribal and community loggers. Beneath it, travelers encounter 72 live plants, 49 skylights, and the natural scent of wood—offering a sensory experience that feels more like a Pacific Northwest forest walk than an airport terminal.

Design That Transforms Transit

Whether you're in Osaka, Marseille, or Portland, these airports are proving that travel hubs can do more than move people—they can inspire, soothe, and set a new standard for what public spaces can be.

The Prix Versailles 2025 selections are more than just architectural eye candy—they represent a future where airports prioritize sustainability, local identity, and passenger wellbeing.

And maybe—just maybe—the airport layover is about to become something to look forward to.