Next time you fly through California, take a moment to admire your surroundings – as one major airport has officially been crowned the most beautiful on the planet.
Every year, the Prix Versailles, an architectural competition, has awarded 24 prizes across eight categories, including airports and passenger stations.
For the second year in a row, San Francisco International Airport (SFO)’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 earned the top prize, beating other major airports globally for its stunning architectural and design achievements.
The Californian hub is home to four terminals, the first of which was rolled out in four phases from July 2019 to June 2024.
The airport itself serves over 50 millions passengers annually.
The jury, which presents the award in association with UNESCO, recognised the terminal for a number of key achievements: sustainability and innovation, cultural significance, passenger experience and architectural excellence.
Following its multi-billion dollar renovation in 2024, SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 achieved a 79 per cent reduction in carbon footprint and a 59 per cent decrease in energy usage.
It is also the world’s first airport terminal named after an LGBTQ+ leader, honouring civil rights pioneer Harvey Milk with a permanent exhibition, along with 30 pieces of artwork that reflect the Bay Area’s heritage.
At this year’s Prix Versailles awards, San Francisco International Airport (SFO)’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (pictured) was named the most beautiful on the planet
Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was celebrated for its architectural excellence
The Californian hub is the world’s first airport terminal named for an LGBTQ+ leader, and is home to gender-neutral toilets, ‘quiet terminal’ features, a yoga room and self-serve baggage checking
As for its design, it incorporates natural light on every level, houses gender-neutral bathrooms and creates a calm environment by introducing ‘quiet terminal’ features that replace overhead announcements.
The terminal also features mezzanine-level security checkpoint, a yoga room, self-serve baggage checking, several hot and cold water-filling stations, local concessionaire and over 24 departure gates, as reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
Designed by a team led by Gensler, the terminal was praised as an ‘ambitious transformation’ that sets a global benchmark for passengers’ airport experience.
In a press release, Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet said: ‘We are truly honoured to be named the top airport in the world by Prix Versailles.
‘Being the first airport terminal in the world named for an LGBTQ+ leader only enhances the significance of this recognition, and my thanks go out to the entire project team for this milestone achievement.’
While SFO took the top global honour, six other notable airports made the 2026 list.
Elsewhere in the United States, Portland International’s Main Terminal was commended for exterior design.
In France, Marseille Provence Terminal 1 was hailed for its interior design, while Roland Garros Airport Arrivals Terminal was noted as the world’s first tropical bioclimatic airport structure.
Designed by a team led by Gensler, the multi-billion dollar Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was praised as an ‘ambitious transformation’
Two French airports were also commended for its interior design and bioclimatic structure: Marseille Provence Terminal 1 (pictured) and Roland Garros Airport Arrivals Terminal
Japan’s Kansai International Airport Terminal , meanwhile, made the top six in Prix Versailles’ list, celebrated for its architectural excellence
Across east Asia, China’s Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2 was praised for its unique coastal design and its natural light, while Japan’s Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 was celebrated for its architectural excellence.
Meanwhile, the world’s best airport and airline was revealed by Forbes Travel Guide in October 2025.
For the second year running, Emirates won best international airline. It’s no surprise, given the popularity of the airline and its reputation for luxury, elegance and high-quality service.
Emirates Airlines is regularly handed the title of World’s Best Airline.
