Airports are no longer just places to catch flights — many are now beautiful, artistic spaces. The Prix Versailles awards highlight the world’s best-designed new airport terminals each year. These airports are not just good-looking, but also smart, eco-friendly, and built for better passenger experience.
Here are six of the most beautiful and innovative airports of 2025:
🇨🇳 Yantai Penglai International Airport, China
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Inspired by nearby mountains and the sea.
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Wavy roof, natural light, and curves inside.
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Design reflects the city’s shipping history.
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Built to handle up to 23 million passengers a year.
✈️ Best for travelers from China, Japan, Korea.
🇫🇷 Marseille Provence Airport, France
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A new glass hall connects older terminals.
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High ceilings, wooden interiors, and stunning views.
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Uses 70% recycled steel and promotes natural airflow.
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Inspired by boat houses from Marseille’s Old Port.
✈️ Fly via Air France from major US cities.
🇷🇪 Roland Garros Airport, Réunion Island (France)
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Design inspired by the island’s green canyons.
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Natural air cooling through smart shutters.
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Inside has wood, plants, and a tropical feel.
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Focused on reducing energy use.
✈️ Reachable via Air France from the US (1-stop trips).
🇯🇵 Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, Japan
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New building on Osaka’s man-made island.
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Modern Japanese design with wood and local food courts.
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First in Japan to use smart queuing — up to 6,000 passengers/hour.
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Built for the 2025 World Expo crowd.
✈️ Direct flights from San Francisco, LA, and Honolulu.
🇺🇸 Portland International Airport (PDX), USA
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Design inspired by Oregon’s forests.
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Huge timber roof, natural light, 72 indoor trees.
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Local food, shops, and even a mini cinema.
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Built to handle 35 million passengers a year.
✈️ Hub for Alaska Airlines, well connected across the US.
🇺🇸 San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1 (SFO), USA
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Named after Harvey Milk, this terminal is super eco-friendly.
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79% less carbon emissions and 90% of waste reused.
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Solar panels, natural light, and local art.
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Includes the only accredited airport museum in the world.
✈️ Served by Alaska, JetBlue, American, Southwest.
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