These beautiful airports not only impress with their unique architectural designs but also embody the rich culture and history of their regions.
Top 5 Most Beautiful Airports in the World as Voted by Travelers
Airports are considered gateways to major cities, regions, or countries. They also create the first impression for tourists visiting these areas. Therefore, airports are often designed to leave memorable impressions that reflect local culture, history, and resources.
1. Oslo Airport, Norway
Oslo Airport is located in Ullensaker, Norway. Opened in 1998, it is the main international airport of Norway and features two runways.
Through a recent large-scale expansion project costing $1.67 billion, Nordic architects have created a design that aligns with the simplicity of the existing airport.
Completed in April 2017, the expansion is primarily constructed from recycled glass and steel, built in a crescent shape.
Oslo Airport provides a beautiful and eco-friendly space.
Notably, Oslo Airport has been renovated with a series of energy-saving strategies and on-site energy regeneration systems. The most remarkable energy-saving method is the collection and storage of snow to be reused as a cooling agent during the summer. Additionally, artificial lighting is minimized, with natural light maximized to enhance passenger comfort and reduce energy demand.
Besides utilizing natural light and reusing snow as a cooling agent in summer, architects have also reduced the airport’s carbon emissions by 35% by using environmentally friendly and recycled materials.
2. Denver International Airport, USA
Denver International Airport, commonly known as DIA, is the largest airport in the United States and the second largest in the world, located northwest of Denver, Colorado.
Denver International Airport.
Mimicking the snow-covered Rocky Mountains just a few miles away, the exterior of Denver Airport features special fabric-covered tents that reach towards the sky.
Especially at night, their soft glow creates a beautiful and memorable scene, making the airport an icon of the American West.
3. Beijing Daxing International Airport, China
Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world. Officially inaugurated in 2019, covering an area of 47 km², it is currently the largest airport in China.
The terminal design is inspired by the image of a phoenix in flight. Additionally, with a starfish-like shape, the terminal is also referred to as the Starfish.
Overall design of Beijing Daxing International Airport.
The dome is made from over 8,000 different glass pieces, maximizing natural light during the day and creating a more spacious feel. The interior layout reflects traditional cultural values while also being infused with modern elements.
Unique dome of the airport.
With its unique and environmentally friendly design, the airport received the award for the Best Airport for Hygiene Measures in the Asia-Pacific from the International Airport Council in 2020.
4. Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku, Azerbaijan
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is located 25 km east of Baku, Azerbaijan, and is the busiest airport in the Caucasus. The airport is designed to be both efficient and modern, featuring a large central hall branching into smaller halls, complete with various amenities to facilitate interaction among travelers.
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is a geometric paradise for visitors.
From the hexagonal skylight to the diamond-patterned flooring, Heydar Aliyev International Airport is a great destination for geometry lovers. However, perhaps the most striking design elements are the neutral-colored wooden pods on the top floor of the terminal.
Finished with diamond-shaped panels adorned to resemble oak wood, each pod features a café, bar, and shopping kiosk. Additionally, the terminal offers various other amenities such as a playground for children and luggage storage.
The airport in Baku is also honored to be dubbed the cleanest airport in Central Asia.
5. Changi Airport, Singapore
Changi International Airport is one of the largest air transit hubs in Southeast Asia; a vital gateway to Asia and Southeast Asia in particular.
Changi Airport is one of the three 5-star airports in the world, according to evaluations and research by Skytrax.
In 2006, the airport surpassed Hong Kong International Airport to win the title of World’s Best Airport as voted by passengers through Skytrax. In 2007, the airport continued to lead the list of the best airports in the world according to surveys conducted by Skytrax and various other agencies worldwide.
Changi Airport.
In addition, Changi Airport has also received other awards such as the title of Best Sleeping Airport in 2009 and the Best Shopping Airport award in the same year.
Changi Airport in Singapore serves not only as an airport but also as a local shopping and entertainment destination.
The Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
The Jewel complex at Changi Airport Singapore was inaugurated in 2019. With a total area of 135,700 m², 5 underground levels, and 5 above-ground levels, this complex features modern design and multifunctional amenities. The centerpiece of Jewel is The Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Scattered throughout the complex are attractions, retail shopping areas, restaurants, and gardens. Among the most popular attractions are the Canopy Park, Shiseido Forest Valley, Canopy Bridge, and Mirror Maze. On average, Jewel Changi welcomes over 300,000 visitors each day.
