Former eyesore of an airport now named one of the most beautiful in the world

An airport that once had locals hiding in shame went through a $3.8 billion upgrade. Now it’s being given an award as one of the most beautiful in the world.

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The Prix Versailles, an architectural award competition, recognized San Diego International Airport’s new Terminal 1 as one of the most beautiful airports in the world. The new terminal, which opened in fall 2025, replaced the now-demolished first edition built in 1967. Four years and nearly $4 billion later, the airport is one of seven global airports to win in the category.

Atif Saeed, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, said in a statement released by the airport that the authority is “incredibly honored” to receive the award.

“The vision, creativity, and dedication of the New Terminal 1 team resulted in a terminal that reflects the spirit and character of San Diego,” Saeed said. “Our goal was to deliver an airport experience that authentically represents our region while providing exceptional service to travelers. This global recognition affirms that vision and helps showcase San Diego to the world.”

San Diego’s Terminal 1 is a feat, with window-facing seating that’s perfect for reading a book or watching planes and locally inspired artwork exhibits and restaurants to make it feel distinctly San Diego. Gensler, a San Francisco-based architecture firm with an office in San Diego, designed the airport.

“San Diego is a complete reinvention: a new building that future-proofs the airport for a new generation of travelers while giving their communities something to be proud of,” Terence Young, aviation leader and principal at Gensler, said in the news release. 

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Of the seven airports, the Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania was the only other American airport to make the list. Two airports in India were also on the list, as well as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, Frankfurt Airport in Germany and Techo International Airport in Cambodia.

“[The airports] are innovative, because they resolve the apparent conflict between the increasing frequency of travel and the need for speed – both central to an airport’s purpose – on the one hand and, on the other, the singularity of a form of tourism that aims to be accessible and that values people’s time in places that, in this day and age, can no longer be described as mere ‘transfer’ spaces,” Jérôme Gouadain, secretary general of the Prix Versailles, said in a news release about the selection.

In 2025, Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at the San Francisco International Airport was one of six airports chosen for the honor.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:40 a.m., June 20, to correct the list of 2026 airport winners.