The 'World's Most Beautiful Airport' is in the United States

The world's most beautiful airport has officially been crowned, and you won't even have to travel outside of the United States to visit it.

Prix Versailles, an international architecture and design award, recently honored several airport terminals as the world’s most beautiful. The top spot on the list went to a terminal at a major airport in the United States.

San Francisco International Airport

At the top of the Prix Versailles list was San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1.

Opened in June of 2024, the terminal features an exhibition honoring gay rights leader Harvey Milk, highlighting his political career and impact on San Francisco.

"We are truly honored to be named the top airport in the world by Prix Versailles," Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet said in a press release.

"Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was designed to establish a new benchmark for an extraordinary airport experience, bringing to life our mission to put people and planet first. 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," Nakornkhet continued.

Other Airports Honored

In addition to the Harvey Milk terminal at the San Francisco International Airport, a few other airports received honors from Prix Versailles.

Prix Versailles gave special prizes to Terminal 1 at Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane, France, and Portland International Airport in Oregon for its main terminal.

"Each year, the Prix Versailles challenges us to look beyond aesthetics alone and to evaluate architecture and design as a force capable of shaping the world we inhabit," the Prix Versailles' jury chairperson said in a press release.

In addition to airports, Prix Versailles also recognizes campuses, passenger stations, sports venues, museums, emporiums, hotels, and restaurants throughout the world.