The Most Beautiful Airports in the World

Airport. An amazing place where the anticipation of travel and an imminent vacation collides with routine procedures, huge queues, and a feeling of one's own insignificance against the backdrop of vast halls. In recent decades, pure utilitarianism is no longer in vogue: now spaces are made not only functional, but also comfortable, beautiful, and unique. A modern airport is a landmark in itself, where you want to stay longer. We have selected 10 amazing and beautiful airports in the world so you know where it's best to land, take off from, and where to make a long layover.

Changi Airport, Singapore

From photos, it's impossible to guess that this is an airport. It looks more like a conservatory hall, a water park, or a venue for water shows. All thanks to the Jewel Changi Airport complex, from whose dome a waterfall pours into the building. By the way, it's the world's tallest artificial waterfall! You can get to the entertainment center from any terminal (there are four of them here) thanks to convenient travelators. However, even besides the waterfall, the airport has a lot to offer. Judge for yourself: a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, a 'crystal cloud' installation, a 'birds in flight' sculpture, a mirror maze, children's slides, animal-shaped topiary... Is that enough, or should we list all points of interest?

What else:

• Regularly recognized as the best airport in the world by Skytrax and other authoritative organizations.
• Known for its high efficiency in handling flights.
• Terminal 1 has a rooftop pool that can be visited for an additional fee.
• A direct metro line connects it to the city center.

Daxing Airport, Beijing, China

The authorship of this airport belongs to the "rock star" of modern architecture – Zaha Hadid. Its shape is also "star-like": five rays radiate from the center, each dedicated to a specific Chinese theme – gardens, agriculture, silk printing, porcelain, tea. Daxing is notable for its design, modern infrastructure, and emphasis on passenger convenience. Despite its enormous size, thanks to its thoughtful layout, the journey from any boarding gate to the terminal center takes no more than 8 minutes. If you want to see Daxing, we recommend reading about entry rules for China.

What else:

• Equipped with advanced technologies such as an automated baggage handling system and facial recognition.
• Designed with sustainability principles in mind, including the use of renewable energy sources and energy-saving systems.
• Connected to Beijing by high-speed rail, metro, and highways.
• Initially had four runways, with plans to expand to seven runways in the future.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, Mumbai, India

This airport has two terminals; the second one is of more interest to us. Its design draws inspiration from the shape of a peacock feather, a symbol of India. This is evident in the enormous columns with fan-shaped capitals that flow into the ceiling, adorned with multi-colored glass. Another natural reference in the design is the lotus-shaped lanterns in the waiting area. All of this is intended to reflect the country's culture and its rich heritage.

What else:

• The local railway network (Mumbai Suburban Railway) has stations near the airport (Andheri and Vile Parle), from where you can reach the terminals by taxi or bus.
• Terminal 2 has a transit hotel.
• You can try Indian cuisine without leaving the airport.
• Comfortable lounges for premium and business class passengers.

Hamad Airport, Doha, Qatar

A true oasis of luxury and comfort. What else could be expected from such a wealthy country? Perhaps a huge bronze bear under a lamp, sitting in the center of the building? Oops, it's here. Then maybe an exotic garden with a fountain? In the middle of the desert? That's here too. It primarily impresses with its futuristic design, spacious waiting areas, and abundance of natural light. The project was developed by the architectural studio HOK, which also created the Central & Wolfe campus building in Silicon Valley, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the LG Science Park in Seoul. In short, experienced professionals. According to their idea, the passenger terminal project celebrates form, light, and materiality, so choose flights with a layover in Doha to see it all live.

What else:

• Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected and work while traveling.
• The airport is equipped with an intuitive navigation system, making it easy to find your way around and locate desired places.
• It is not only a transport hub but also an art center, exhibiting works by renowned artists and sculptors.
• Offers a wide range of amenities for families with children, including playrooms, changing rooms, and relaxation areas.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, France

It opened in 1975, and 25 years later it was named after the French writer. It is one of France's busiest airports, an important transport hub connecting Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region with many cities worldwide, and a masterpiece by architect Santiago Calatrava. The master's works always conveyed dynamism, movement, sculptural quality, and natural organicism. It's no surprise that the airport building also possesses all of these qualities. Its shape resembles either folded bird wings or its predatory beak, aimed directly at its observer. In short, an undeniable hero for our top list – outstanding and striking.

What else:

• Consists of two terminals that serve both domestic and international flights.
• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
• There are mother and baby rooms, play areas, and other amenities for travelers with children.
• You can reach the center of Lyon by Rhônexpress tram (about 30 minutes), by bus, or by taxi.

Marrakech Menara Airport, Morocco

Seeing it, one involuntarily wants to sing: "Arabian night, magical East. Here are charms and revenge, courage and honor, palaces and sand." We can't vouch for revenge, honor, and courage, but with sands and palaces, everything is reliable here. The airport building can also be counted among the latter: it combines modern architecture and Moroccan style. Giant rhombuses of the walls intertwine into a network, and between them lies a delicate pattern of national lace ornament. Light streams especially beautifully through these huge windows, casting exotic shadows on the floor. The architectural solution was chosen by studio E2A, and we have great tickets to Morocco available.

What else:

• On the building's roof are 72 small photovoltaic pyramids for generating solar energy.
• Marrakech Menara consists of two terminals, serving both domestic and international flights. The second terminal, opened in 2008, has a larger capacity.
• Provides all necessary amenities for passengers with disabilities.
• Located just 6 km from the center of Marrakech.

Bilbao Airport, Spain

Another Calatrava creation on our list. This one is called La Paloma, "The Dove." Such a nickname is quite logical: the snow-white building indeed somewhat resembles a bird with a sharp beak and a pair of outstretched wings. Inside, tourists are greeted by spacious, bright halls and sculptures, preparing them for the city's image, largely built on a love for modern art.

What else:

• The airport has only one main terminal, which simplifies navigation.
• The city can be reached by Bizkaibus buses.
• Two runways allow the airport to handle increasing traffic volume.
• All necessary amenities for travelers are available, including shops, restaurants, car rental services, and VIP lounges.

Novy Urengoy Airport named after I.M. Gubkin, Russia

Unexpectedly, Novy Urengoy bursts into our list. But just look at this arctic geometry! The building's exterior, formed from pointed "ice shards," mimics a chum – a traditional dwelling of the peoples of the North. The design maximizes natural daylight, creating bright and airy spaces. The architectural project was commissioned from the British firm Twelve Architects & Masterplanners. By the way, they are also responsible for the appearance of Platov Airport in Rostov-on-Don, built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

What else:

• Operates in harsh arctic climate conditions with low temperatures, snowfalls, and strong winds.
• Main airlines: Yamal, S7 Airlines, UTair, Aeroflot.
• The passenger terminal provides basic amenities for passengers, including waiting areas, cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Main destinations – Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tyumen, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk. Travel time to Novy Urengoy is only 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Incheon Airport, Seoul, South Korea

South Korea's largest airport, one of the most important and busiest in the world. It is located on an artificial island near Seoul and serves as the main hub for international flights in the region. The building's appearance is defined by its ribbon-like roof: its wavy spans curve and twist, allowing daylight to penetrate inside. The blue hue refers to the traditional color of Korean roof tiles, reinterpreting the country's culture. Glass, metal, and white stone are widely used in the architecture, creating an elegant and bright image.

What else:

• Regularly ranks among the best airports in the world, receiving high ratings for cleanliness, efficiency, and amenities.
• Offers unique cultural events and opportunities to experience Korean culture.
• Inside, there are capsule hotels, gardens, spas, a Korean culture museum, and play areas for children.
• Many restaurants and cafes offering Korean and international cuisine.

Alexey Leonov Airport, Kemerovo, Russia

You don't necessarily need to serve millions of passengers a year to have an outstanding building. For example, the Alexey Leonov passenger terminal handled only half a million people in 2024, but all of them were able to admire its original architecture. Are you interested too? Get Moscow – Kemerovo tickets! The airport is named after a native of the Kemerovo region, a Soviet cosmonaut, the first person to walk in open space. The most prominent element of the building, literally and figuratively, is its canopy. It covers the main entrance and creates a triangular opening in the shape of the letter "L". The space theme continues inside the terminal: ceiling lights gather into constellations, and here and there, aircraft or cosmonaut suits are directed towards them.

What else:

• In recent years, the airport has been modernized and expanded, which has improved its capacity.
• All basic amenities for passengers are available, including waiting areas, cafes, shops, and a baggage wrapping service.
• Main destinations – Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Sochi, Yekaterinburg. In summer, charter flights to resorts in Turkey, Thailand, and other countries are added.
• Regular bus routes connect the airport with the city of Kemerovo.