Ruth Haines
Airports are no longer just places of transit, but destinations in themselves. With iconic designs, indoor gardens, luxury lounges, and more, airports today are a blend of aesthetics, comfort, and efficiency. So, which are the most beautiful airports in the world? Here are some of the top contenders.
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What You'll Learn
Changi Airport, Singapore
Changi Airport in Singapore is one of the largest transportation hubs in Asia. It serves more than 100 airlines flying to 400 cities in over 100 countries worldwide. About 7,400 flights arrive or depart at Changi each week, or one every 80 seconds. The airport has won over 680 awards, including 28 "Best Airport" awards in 2019 alone.
Formerly known as the Singapore International Airport, Changi Airport is located within its namesake, the district of Changi, at the eastern end of Singapore, approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) from Singapore's Downtown Core. It is served by two runways, each 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) long. A third runway is closed due to the construction of Terminal 5, which is due to open in 2030. Three of the terminal buildings are connected to an entertainment and retail complex known as the Jewel Changi Airport, designed by architect Moshe Safdie. This is a grandiose steel and glass structure including gardens, amenities and various attractions.
Changi Airport has been recognised by Prix Versailles, a prestigious worldwide architecture and design award. The airport has been praised for its bold architecture and the services it provides. Visitors are amazed by the natural locations within the airport, from the Arrival Garden to the Cactus Garden and the Tropical Rainforest Viviarium. In the T1 area, a sculpture named "Kinetic Rain" is also noteworthy.
Changi Airport is the primary international airport serving Singapore. Before Changi, Singapore's main international airport was located at Paya Lebar. It had opened in 1955 with a single runway and a small passenger terminal. However, by the 1970s, the airport was facing congestion problems as annual passenger numbers rose dramatically. The Singaporean government had two options: expand the existing airport at Paya Lebar or build a new airport at another location. After extensive studies, a decision was made in 1972 to keep the airport at Paya Lebar. However, this decision was reviewed in 1973 due to the oil crisis, and the government subsequently decided to build a new airport at the eastern tip of the main island at Changi.
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Incheon International Airport, Seoul
Incheon International Airport, located in Seoul, South Korea, is not just a hub for international civilian air transportation and cargo traffic in East Asia, but also one of the most beautiful airports in the world. It is the busiest airport in South Korea and the 23rd busiest in the world, serving a total of 57.8 million passengers in 2016. The airport is located 48 kilometres (30 miles) west of Seoul and is the main hub for Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, and Polar Air Cargo. With 111 boarding gates, 44 in Terminal 1, 30 in Concourse A, and 37 in Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport offers diverse ways for travellers to pass the time between flights. These range from unique amenities such as a ice-skating rink, a golf course, cinemas, a spa, indoor gardens, and a casino to opportunities for cultural exploration like the Museum of Korean Culture and Korean Kultural Street, which replicates local architecture. The airport also provides practical conveniences such as free showers, shopping centres, dining options, banks, currency exchanges, children's play areas, and a medical centre. Incheon International Airport stands out not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the exceptional experiences it offers to travellers, making it a notable destination in itself.
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Kansai Airport, Osaka Bay
The Kansai International Airport in Osaka Bay, Japan, is a sight to behold. It is built on a gigantic 4-square-kilometre artificial island in Osaka Bay, with its first airport island covering approximately 510 hectares (1,260 acres) and the second about 545 hectares (1,347 acres). The airport, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, is characterised by elegantly curved structures in Terminal 1, the longest terminal in the world, stretching 1,700 metres.
The airport's construction was driven by the Kansai region's rapid loss of trade to Tokyo in the 1960s. It was proposed as a new airport near Kobe and Osaka, as the original Itami Airport was surrounded by buildings and could not be expanded due to geographical constraints. Kansai International Airport opened on September 4, 1994, as the first airport in Japan to operate 24 hours a day. It serves as a hub for several major airlines and is the international gateway to Japan's Kansai region, providing access to major cities like Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka.
The airport's unique location on an artificial island came with challenges. Designers anticipated the soft soils of Osaka Bay would cause the island to sink, and they were correct. The sinking rate decreased over time, dropping from 50 cm per year during the airport's opening year to 7 cm annually by 2008. Despite these issues, Kansai Airport has become a significant transportation hub, with over 31 airlines from 26 countries operating there.
Kansai International Airport offers a range of amenities and facilities for travellers, including a monorail system in Terminal 1 for easy mobility. It has also faced competition from other airports in the region, such as Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, Kobe Airport, and Incheon International Airport in Seoul, which offer diverse entertainment options like ice skating, golf, and cultural experiences.
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Marrakech Airport, Morocco
Marrakech Airport, also known as Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), is located 4 kilometres from the city of Marrakech, Morocco. It is the second largest and second busiest airport in Morocco, serving as a major hub for passengers flying to and from the country. With its modern architectural design and 21st-century decor, Marrakech Airport is considered one of the most stunning airports in Africa. The airport boasts cutting-edge technology and facilities across its three terminals, with an annual capacity to host 9 million passengers.
Terminal 1 of Marrakech Airport showcases an impressive blend of modern architecture and Oriental style. Renovated in 2008, it draws inspiration from 21st-century Moroccan palaces, featuring Islamic and natural geometric patterns that intertwine with giant concrete diamonds. The terminal is also equipped with solar panels, showcasing the airport's commitment to sustainability. Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 2005, while Terminal 3 was expanded in 2016, contributing to the airport's capacity to accommodate a large number of passengers each year.
The airport's design incorporates fascinating recurring patterns, such as the arabesque windows that create captivating drawings with natural light on the floors. The rich wall decorations and intricate floor patterns further enhance the beauty of the airport's interior. Additionally, the airport offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and transportation services, making it a convenient gateway to explore Marrakech and Morocco.
Marrakech Airport provides access to 30 airlines and connects to over 60 overseas destinations. It is equipped with an advanced landing system, including radio navigation aids such as VOR, DME, and NDB. The airport also offers special VIP services, such as the Salon Convives de Marque, showcasing its attention to passenger comfort and experience. With its combination of modern design, cultural influences, and state-of-the-art facilities, Marrakech Airport has become a notable destination in itself, attracting the attention of travellers from around the world.
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Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is one of the most famous airports globally and is regarded as one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Located 23 kilometres northeast of Paris, it is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle. The airport, which opened in 1974, serves as the principal hub for Air France and other legacy carriers, as well as an operating base for easyJet and Norse Atlantic Airways. It is the world's ninth busiest airport and Europe's third busiest, handling over 70 million passengers in 2024.
The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 1 being the oldest and Terminal 3 hosting charter and low-cost airlines. Terminal 2, originally built for Air France, has been expanded and now houses other airlines. Terminal 2E features a museum area showcasing works borrowed from major museums in Paris. The terminals have large shopping centres, primarily showcasing major French brands.
The airport is known for its avant-garde architecture, with Terminal 1 designed as a ten-story circular building surrounded by seven satellite buildings, each with six gates allowing natural light to enter. The main architect, Paul Andreu, was also responsible for the extensions in subsequent decades. Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 1982 by then-President Francois Mitterrand.
Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a range of amenities and services, including free wireless internet access in all terminals and dedicated smoking booths. It provides live flight information, transportation options, and a selection of nearby airport hotels. The airport also provides guidance on security procedures, prohibited items, and baggage-related inquiries.
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Frequently asked questions
Changi International Airport in Singapore is widely regarded as the most beautiful airport in the world. It features a visionary hub designed by architect Moshe Safdie, with gardens, amenities, and attractions. The Jewel Changi Airport includes the world's tallest indoor waterfall, set amid a lush indoor rainforest.
Some other beautiful airports include Seoul's Incheon International Airport, London City Airport, Zurich Airport, Dubai International Airport, Adolfo Suárez Airport in Madrid, and Haneda Airport in Japan.
Airports can be beautiful due to a combination of aesthetics, comfort, and efficiency. They may feature iconic designs, indoor gardens, luxury lounges, entertainment options, and state-of-the-art efficiency.
Airports like Marrakech Airport in Morocco feature a mix of traditional and modern infrastructure, with fascinating recurring patterns and arabesque windows. Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan, showcases elegantly curved structures designed by Renzo Piano, maximizing natural light.
