San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 Named One of the World’s Most Beautiful Airports
San Diego International Airport’s newly completed Terminal 1 has been named to the prestigious “World’s Most Beautiful Airports” list for 2026 by the Prix Versailles, an international architectural and design program. The terminal, which opened in September 2025, is one of only two U.S. airports to receive the recognition this year, joining a global list that includes facilities in China, Germany, India, Cambodia, and Pittsburgh.
Did You Know? The new Terminal 1, designed by San Francisco-based Gensler, replaces the airport’s original 1960s-era terminal building, which served as the foundation for the current facility’s design.
Design and Architectural Significance
The design of the new terminal draws inspiration from the local landscape, specifically the canyons, sea, and sky of the San Diego region. According to the design team at Gensler, the structure incorporates commissioned art installations, mosaic glass details, and angled ceiling forms. An outdoor terrace was also integrated into the facility to provide travelers with sweeping views of the city.
Terence Young, aviation leader and principal at Gensler, stated that the project was intended as a “complete reinvention” of the space. He noted that the terminal aims to “future-proof” the airport for a new generation of travelers while serving as a source of pride for the local community.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: The Prix Versailles recognition highlights a shift in how modern aviation hubs are conceptualized. By moving away from the traditional view of airports as mere “transfer” spaces, architects are increasingly treating them as cultural landmarks. This approach carries significant implications for regional identity, as these buildings now function as lasting environmental and social emblems that shape how the world interacts with a city.
What Happens Next
With the terminal now operational, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority may look to leverage this global recognition to bolster the city’s international profile. As the airport continues to integrate public art and local design elements, it is possible that the facility will serve as a model for future infrastructure projects aimed at balancing high-frequency travel needs with regional cultural expression. The annual Prix Versailles announcements, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, will continue to track how these structures influence the economic and social dynamics of their respective regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prix Versailles?
The Prix Versailles is an international architectural and design program established in 2015 that recognizes contemporary architecture and design. Awards are announced annually at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Which other airports were recognized alongside San Diego?
The 2026 list includes Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3 (China), Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 (Germany), Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport Terminal 2 (India), Navi Mumbai International Airport Terminal 1 (India), Techo International Airport (Cambodia), and Pittsburgh International Airport (U.S.).
Why was San Diego’s Terminal 1 selected for this recognition?
According to the Prix Versailles, the recognition honors airports that resolve the conflict between the need for speed in travel and the creation of accessible, culturally significant spaces. The San Diego project was specifically noted for its focus on regional identity and intelligent sustainability.
How do you think the integration of art into travel infrastructure changes your overall experience at an airport?