With travel currently restricted and air transport being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the airports are unfortunately not as busy as they used to be, but they are still as beautiful. While waiting for travel to resume fully and missing being at the airports, in hope that it happens soon, we remind you of some of the most beautiful airports in the world:
1. Beijing Daxing International Airport
One of the most impressive airports is definitely the new Beijing Daxing International Airport. The ‘Starfish’ airport was opened in 2019 and the terminal building was designed by the world famous Zaha Hadid Architects, French planners ADP and partners. Though it is said to be the world’s largest terminal in a single building, it was so cleverly designed that the passengers don’t need more than an 8-minute walk to their gate.
2. Changi Airport, Singapore
A little world of its own, Singapore Changi Airport offers everything like a small city – from hundreds of retail stores and restaurants to numerous gardens, art galleries, even a hedge maze, swimming pool and gym. If up for it, you can also go to a movie theatre – in any case, the waiting time will just fly by.
3. Hong Kong International Airport
We couldn’t skip one of the busiest and most beautiful airports of the world which, with its modern design and numerous facilities, represents perfectly the city you arrive in – Hong Kong. Business people are especially thrilled with a nine-hole golf course that complies with the U.S. Golf Association standards – if you always wanted to golf but never found the time, a layover in Hong Kong is the perfect time to start!
4. Adolfo Suárez Madrid – Barajas Airport
Though airports are places of constant movement, they can also have an air of tranquility and calmness. One such airport is for sure the Adolfo Suárez Airport in Madrid, with its bamboo ceilings and overall architectural design that have an instant calming effect, very much needed and appreciated when traveling.
5. Marrakesh Menara Airport
A beautiful architectural piece, Marrakesh Menara Airport is an important hub between Europe and North Africa as well as other countries. The very stylish airport is a combination of both traditional and contemporary styles and fascinates with the beautiful exterior as well as the interior design.
6. Dubai International Airport
One of the busiest airports in the world is also one of the most luxurious ones. It offers everything you need, from designer shops to complimentary shower pods. If you want to relax before your flight, you can enjoy one of the many zen gardens or treat yourself to a massage in one of their superb spas.
7. Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is as famous for its exterior as its interior – and while the exterior has a recognisable tent-like roof structure, the inside of this airport is most famous for its murals, two of the most interesting ones being painted in 1995 by local artist Leo Tanguma. With somewhat specific topics as well as their depiction, the murals have been the subject of various interpretations, including some conspiracy theories on the New World Order.
8. Incheon International Airport
South Korea’s airport is both big and beautiful – as one of the busiest airports in the world it offers endless possibilities – you can not only go shopping and dining but also play golf, enjoy indoor gardens, try your luck in a casino, relax in a spa or just quickly take a free shower.
9. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
Awarded in 2019 with the prestigious title of ‘Best Airport by Size and Region’ by the Airport Council International (ACI), the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is also one of the most beautiful ones. The canopy patterns of the roof partly inspired by the peacock, India’s national bird, largely contribute to the elegance of the space.
10. Shenzen Bao’An International Airport
The beautiful Terminal 3 of the Shenzen Bao’An International Airport in China was designed by architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas. Conceptualised so that it evokes a manta ray, the lines and design are elegant. Throughout the terminal, the ceiling is designed like a honeycomb, adding to the dynamics of the space and allowing a beautiful play of light.
