UNESCO’s Prix Versailles awards have revealed the six most beautiful airport terminals in the world for 2025, featuring stunning designs from China, France, Japan, USA, and Réunion Island. This global recognition matters for India because our country is rapidly building new airports with nature-themed designs, including Guwahati’s award-winning “Bamboo Orchids” terminal that has won international architectural awards. As India’s air passenger traffic grows from 412 million in FY25 to 600 million by FY30, beautiful airport terminals are becoming essential for passenger experience.
Every year, UNESCO’s Prix Versailles highlights the world’s most remarkable examples of architectural design, and airports are no exception. The 2025 nominations showcase six stunning terminals that merge form, function, and a sense of place.
The Prix Versailles Award
The Prix Versailles award, presented in conjunction with UNESCO, honours exceptional design and interior architecture spanning airports, emporiums, museums, and hotels. This year’s airport showcase features terminals selected for:
- How they reflect their locale
- Integration of thoughtful materials and services
- Expression of more than the sum of their steel and glass
Three of these six terminals will be honoured with the Prix Versailles World Title in December 2025.
Key Developments / Facts
Six Most Beautiful Airport Terminals for 2025
The six terminals shortlisted for architectural and cultural distinction are:
Standout Details for Each Terminal
1. Yantai Penglai International Airport, Terminal 2 (YNT)
- Spans 167,000 square metres
- Designed by Aedas with E-shaped plan
- Channels natural light and coastal forms inspired by Kunyu Mountain and Shandong’s coastline
- Features multi-level atrium and integrated rail link
2. Marseille Provence Airport, Terminal 1 (MRS)
- Reopened in 2024 after 20,000-square metre expansion
- Built from 70 percent recycled steel and wood
- Timber-clad security canopy pays homage to boat houses of the Old Port
3. Roland Garros Airport, Arrivals Terminal (RUN)
- First tropical bioclimatic airport of its scale at 13,000 square metres
- Features bioclimatic airflow and natural light
- Local craftsmanship accounts for 91 percent of the work.
4. Kansai International Airport, Terminal 1 (KIX)
- Recent expansion ahead of Expo 2025
- Blends traditional materials with high-tech smart queuing systems
- Reaffirms Japan’s reputation for harmony between innovation and tradition
5. Portland International Airport, Main Terminal (PDX)
- “Walks in the forest” concept using regional timber
- Biophilic wood design with abundant natural light
- Connects terminal to Oregon’s forest heritage
6. San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 1 (SFO)
- Also known as Harvey Milk Terminal
- Pairs sweeping bay views with 79 percent carbon reduction
- 59 percent lower energy use with on-site museum
Surprise: Singapore Changi Not on the List
When you think “award-winning airport terminals,” the first name that likely springs to mind is Singapore’s Changi Airport. So it’s a genuine surprise that Changi doesn’t appear in the 2025 Prix Versailles list. However, Changi still handled nearly 70 million passengers in 2025, marking a 3.4% increase from 2024.
Impact on Indian Passengers / Airlines / Industry
For Indian Passengers
This global recognition of beautiful airport terminals matters for Indian travelers because:
- India is building similar nature-themed airports – Guwahati’s new terminal is India’s first nature-themed airport with “Bamboo Orchids” design
- Passenger experience is improving – New terminals focus on natural light, ventilation, and forest-like experiences
- Capacity increases – India’s alternate airports will add 40 million passenger capacity in 2026
