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Airports are not always the most glamorous part of a trip. But the Prix Versailles 2026 airport laureates are a reminder that some airports are becoming architectural destinations in their own right.
This year, four of the seven airport projects recognised by Prix Versailles are in Asia, with terminals in China, India and Cambodia making the global selection. The annual architecture and design awards, associated with UNESCO, spotlight standout projects across categories including airports, hotels, museums and restaurants.
The strong showing continues a trend from last year, when Asia also featured prominently among the airport laureates with Yantai Penglai International Airport Terminal 2 in Yantai, China, and Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 in Osaka, Japan, both earning recognition for their design excellence.
Leading the 2026 Asian entries is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport’s Terminal 3 in China, which opened on October 30, 2025 as part of the airport’s major “five-runway, three-terminal” expansion. Designed around Guangzhou’s identity as China’s “Flower City”, the terminal includes a main building and three concourses, with domestic and international operations supported by 199 check-in counters, 60 self-service kiosks and 87 jet bridges.
India has two projects on the list. Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport’s Terminal 2 in Guwahati was designed as a contemporary nod to Assam and Northeast India, drawing from bamboo craft and the kopou phool orchid. Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai International Airport’s Terminal 1, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Arup, takes inspiration from the lotus, with a sweeping roof, sculptural columns, and a dramatic steel-and-glass form.
Cambodia is represented by Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, designed by Foster + Partners. Its terminal references Cambodian palaces and temples, with a vaulted latticed roof supported by tree-like structures inspired by the rumduol, Cambodia’s national flower.
The other 2026 airport laureates are Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3, Pittsburgh International Airport and San Diego International Airport Terminal 1.
Check out the full list here.
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