Two U.S. airports, Pittsburgh International Airport and San Diego International Airport, have been named among the seven most beautiful airports in the world for 2026 by the Prix Versailles. The international award, presented at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, recognizes airports that blend aesthetic, social, cultural, and ecological considerations.
Pittsburgh International Airport was lauded for its expansive roofline, designed to evoke the nearby Allegheny Mountains. The structure features 38 steel columns shaped like trees, referencing the region's forests, and utilizes extensive glass walls to maximize natural light. The airport also plans to incorporate four outdoor terraces for travelers.
San Diego International Airport's Terminal 1 received recognition for its transformation, which included its roadways, parking facilities, and multimodal transport options. A prominent 244-meter curved glass facade contributes to a bright and open interior, with outdoor terraces offering views of the bay and flexible lounge spaces designed for traveler comfort. San Diego International Airport is noted as the busiest single-runway airport in the United States.
Other airports honored by the Prix Versailles include Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 in Germany, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3 in China, Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport Terminal 2 in India, Navi Mumbai International Airport Terminal 1 in India, and Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. No UK airports were selected for this year's list.
Jerome Gouadain, secretary general of the Prix Versailles, stated that contemporary airports serve as hallmarks of their regions, integrating innovative design to manage travel frequency and speed while also offering unique spaces for travelers. The award criteria consider a combination of design elements, passenger experience, and environmental impact.