Two Indian airports among world’s most beautiful in Prix Versailles 2026 list

India has scored a major milestone in aviation infrastructure, with two airport terminals earning a place on the Prix Versailles 2026 World’s Most Beautiful Airports list.

Announced in Paris on June 15, the prestigious global architecture and design awards recognise newly built or renovated airport terminals that excel in design, sustainability, cultural identity and passenger experience.

The Indian terminals feature alongside airports in China, Germany, Cambodia and the United States, reflecting a global shift towards environmentally conscious and culturally rooted airport architecture.

1. Terminal 2, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati

Serving as the gateway to Northeast India, Terminal 2 at Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Designed around the bamboo orchid, a flower native to the Northeast, the terminal incorporates biophilic architecture with lush indoor greenery, a striking “sky forest”, expansive ceilings and abundant natural light. Indigenous artwork, local storytelling installations and traditional craftsmanship are integrated throughout the space to offer travellers an immersive Assamese cultural experience.

The airport handled 6.57 million passengers in FY 2024–25, including more than 91,500 international travellers, underscoring its growing importance as a regional aviation hub.

2. Terminal 1, Navi Mumbai International Airport

The newly developed Terminal 1 at Navi Mumbai International Airport stands out for its futuristic design centred around a sweeping roof inspired by floating lotus petals.

Beyond its striking appearance, the petal-like structure is engineered to maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption. Inside, lotus-inspired motifs, digital art installations and advanced passenger technologies combine modern architecture with Indian cultural symbolism.

Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports 2026

The complete list includes:

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Terminal 3) — Guangzhou, China
• Frankfurt Airport (Terminal 3) — Frankfurt, Germany
• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Terminal 2) — Guwahati, India
• Navi Mumbai International Airport (Terminal 1) — Navi Mumbai, India
• Techo International Airport — Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Pittsburgh International Airport — Pittsburgh, United States
• San Diego International Airport (Terminal 1) — San Diego, United States