Zayed Airport Crowned World’s Most Beautiful Airport

Airports: love them or tolerate them, they’re usually just a pitstop. A place where you queue endlessly, sip overpriced lattes, and scroll through your phone waiting for your gate to open. But some airports? They redefine the experience. Enter Zayed International Airport - where the journey begins long before takeoff.

The Oscars of Architecture: Prix Versailles

The Prix Versailles, often dubbed the architectural world’s Oscars, recognizes outstanding design across museums, stadiums, and yes, airports. This year’s competition was fierce, with 400 global airports vying for the top spot. But it was Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi that clinched the title of World’s Most Beautiful Airport for 2024.

Why, you ask? Well, Zayed International isn’t just an airport. It’s a statement.

Zayed International Airport has been recognised as the World’s Most Beautiful Airport at the 2024 Prix Versailles World Architecture and Design Awards.#Zayed_airport #Abudhabi pic.twitter.com/mfxa9HVZVA

— Zayed International Airport (@AUH) December 3, 2024

A Masterpiece in the Skies

Zayed International Airport is a love letter to Abu Dhabi’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Designed in an X-shape, its architecture reflects the UAE capital’s natural beauty while exuding innovation and elegance. This isn’t just a terminal—it’s an experience that makes even the most reluctant traveler stop and snap a picture.

And the accolades don’t stop there. Earlier this year, the airport was named Best Airport at Arrivals Globally at the Airports Council International 2023 Airport Service Quality Awards. Clearly, Zayed International is setting a new standard in aviation excellence.

Bigger, Bolder, and More Beautiful: Terminal A

In November, Zayed International Airport debuted its ultra-modern Terminal A, which took the world by storm. Covering a jaw-dropping 742,000 square meters, this state-of-the-art terminal can handle up to 11,000 passengers per hour, translating to a staggering 45 million passengers annually.

Named in February to honor the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this terminal blends innovation and tradition seamlessly. Its capabilities include managing up to 79 aircraft at a time - a feat that perfectly aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ambitions of being a global hub.

The Global Competition

While Zayed International stole the show, other airports also impressed with their design and functionality. Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 2, fresh off a stunning renovation, continues to shine as a global favorite. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport wowed with its new Midfield Satellite 1 terminal, cementing its status as Southeast Asia’s busiest hub.

Other contenders in the top six included the futuristic Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Zumpango, Mexico, Boston’s revamped Logan International Terminal E, and Kansas City International Airport in the USA, which wowed travelers with its sleek, user-friendly design.

The 2024 Prix Versailles Rankings:

1. Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi
2. Felipe Ángeles International Airport, Zumpango
3. Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore
4. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Midfield Satellite 1, Bangkok
5. Logan International Airport, Terminal E, Boston
6. Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City

Why Zayed International Matters

Zayed International Airport isn’t just another airport - it’s a gateway to Abu Dhabi’s culture, innovation, and ambition. From its breathtaking design to its unparalleled functionality, it proves that airports can be more than a means to an end - they can be destinations themselves.

So, the next time you’re booking a flight, maybe consider a layover in Abu Dhabi. Trust us, it’ll be the highlight of your trip.