With their magnificent scale and structure, airports are the first impression of an entire country and the last touchpoint of life-changing journeys. Thanks to these architectural gems, the art of discovering might start early at the sky gate because some of them are truly a sight to marvel at.
With their magnificent scale and structure, airports are the first impression of an entire country and the last touchpoint of life-changing journeys. Thanks to these architectural gems, the art of discovering might start early at the sky gate because some of them are truly a sight to marvel at.
November 21, 2025
With their magnificent scale and structure, airports are the first impression of an entire country and the last touchpoint of life-changing journeys. Thanks to these architectural gems, the art of discovering might start early at the sky gate because some of them are truly a sight to marvel at.
Having evolved into a defining element of national identity, economic power, and passenger experience, the airport is where technological innovation and cultural expression converge, shaping first impressions and emotional responses of millions of travelers every year. As aviation expert Norman Foster once remarked, “Airports are the new cathedrals of our time.”
Going beyond aesthetics, architectural excellence directly contributes to operational efficiency, brand image, and even financial performance. Well-designed terminals are the "silent sellers", leading unknowing travellers into duty-free shops and food concessions. Keeping in mind that retail contributes 14% of the overall airport revenue, design is one of the deciding factors of any airports' financial performance. "If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design" — Ralf Speth.
After generous investment and collaboration with famous architecture firms, airports are now demanding more than functionality. Luxury airport architecture must respond to psychological and physiological needs: abundant daylight, biophilic spaces, acoustic control, and intuitive wayfinding promote calm and wellbeing amid the stress of travel. What is more, they aim to orchestrate atmosphere, comfort, and sensory delight.
Frequently topping Skytrax’s rankings of the best airports in the world, winning the title 12 times, Changi stands out for its superior customer experience.
The highlight is the Jewel Changi Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, surrounded by a lush indoor forest, a rooftop pool, cinema, butterfly garden, and more. Opened in 2019, the Jewel Changi airport complex is a $1.2 billion USD project designed by architect Moshe Safdie. In 2023, Changi served over 58 million passengers, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s beloved and most busiest airports.
In Doha, Qatar, Hamad International Airport often hailed as one of the most luxurious airports in the world. Inspired by the form of a sailboat, Hamad is a sleek, contemporary structure that opened in 2014 at an estimated cost of $16 billion USD.
Spanning 22 km², it serves as Qatar’s primary gateway and Qatar Airways’ hub. In 2023, Hamad International Airport handled more than 45 million passengers and is designed to accommodate over 50 million annually. The airport is known for its impressive public art, including the iconic “Lamp Bear” by Urs Fischer. Hamad international Airport challenge to the world's most beautiful airports with an indoor garden. indoor gardens, ORCHARD. Designed to go above and beyond ‘stress-free’ travelling, the latest installation of the airport’s infrastructure was set to create a space to relax, rejuvenate and recharge. The overall architecture was developed by HOK, with Perkins Eastman responsible for interior design.
A symbol of efficiency and beauty, Incheon International Airport is often ranked among Skytrax’s top five airports. Incheon impresses not only with excellent services but also with its architecture that harmonizes Korean tradition and modern design.
Travelers can enjoy a golf course, spa, gardens, cultural museum, and even an “Ice Forest” inside Terminal 2. In 2023, ICN welcomed approximately 56 million passengers. Major design firms include Foster + Partners, Gensler, and SAMOO Architects & Engineers.
Located in Colorado, USA, Denver International Airport known for its iconic white, cone-shaped roof resembling the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. This architectural form is not only symbolic but also functional, maximizing natural light.
Despite some conspiracy theories surrounding its artworks, DIA remains one of the largest and most visually striking airports in the U.S, covering 137.26 km². In 2023, it served over 77 million passengers. The airport’s mysterious murals and the 9.8-meter-tall “Blue Mustang” statue have become subjects of intrigue. The design was led by C.W. Fentress Architects and Curtis Fentress.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the epitome of the unique philosophy of “a forest within an airport.” Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, KUL integrates natural elements into its structure, creating a tranquil and airy space.
The main terminal’s curving roof and wooden accents make the space warm and inviting. One standout feature is the preserved tropical rainforest housed within the satellite terminal. In 2023, KUL served about 47 million passengers.
In Osaka, Japan, this Kansai International Airport is built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay to reduce noise and space concerns.
Designed by Renzo Piano, its main terminal is the world’s longest (1.7 km) and shaped like an airplane wing, allowing airflow for natural cooling. Opened in 1994 at a construction cost of around $20 billion USD, the artificial island was engineered to withstand earthquakes and tsunamis. In 2023, KIX handled about 25 million passengers.
Madrid-Barajas International Airport in Spain stands out for its spectacular Terminal 4, designed by Richard Rogers and Antonio Lamela.
Its wavy bamboo ceiling, vibrant steel columns, and expansive skylights flood the terminal with natural light, creating a cheerful, spacious atmosphere. Opened in 2006, the terminal can handle 35 million passengers annually and won the RIBA Stirling Prize the same year. In 2023, MAD welcomed over 60 million travelers, proving that beauty and functionality can go hand in hand.
China has one of the largest airports in the world and a masterpiece by Zaha Hadid. When viewed from above, the airport resembles a starfish or a six-petaled flower, with a central hub and five extending “arms.”
This radial design minimizes walking distance and optimizes passenger flow. Opened in 2019 with a construction cost of about $11 billion USD, Daxing is built to serve 45 million passengers per year by 2025 and up to 100 million by 2040. In 2023, PKX served around 39 million passengers and holds the title of the world’s largest single-roof airport terminal.
As Zaha Hadid’s Daxing International Airport demonstrates, a cohesive architectural language that merges flow and form enhances movement efficiency while creating a memorable visual identity. Similarly, Moshe Safdie’s Jewel Changi blends natural elements with futuristic engineering, turning an airport into a destination in itself, proof that “design is the silent ambassador of a brand,” as Paul Rand famously stated. The rise of “airport cities” and “aerotropolises” underscores the financial rationale behind architecture: an inspiring space encourages longer dwell times, boosting retail, hospitality, and cultural engagement.
