The World’s Most Innovative Airport Designs

By Mehar Deep Kaur -
September 28, 2024

Aviation stands as one of the most global industries, bridging cultures and businesses across the world. With the increasing demand for air travel, airports have transformed beyond mere transit points—they now embody a city’s cultural identity, innovation, and aspirations. The effort to captivate global travellers starts the instant they disembark from the plane, with stunning designs that make travel not only faster and more luxurious but also unforgettable.


The undulating form of Zayed International Airport designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates | Source: aviationbusinessme.com

Below are 5 airports from around the world that turn layovers and check-ins into memorable experiences with their groundbreaking designs, setting new standards in airport architecture.

Beijing Daxing International Airport – Zaha Hadid Architects

This airport, often likened to a starfish, held the title of the largest single airport terminal in the world until Guangzhou Baiyun Airport surpassed it in December 2023. Crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, the terminal’s design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture, featuring a layout centered around a main courtyard.

Five aircraft piers extend from this central area, with a sixth arm leading directly to the railway station for city access. The central courtyard boasts numerous skylights supported by fluid structures, while each pier features skylights that run the full length of the building. The design is both stunning and functional—despite having 79 airport stands, the farthest gate is just an eight-minute walk from the center.


Photo: KILOVISION


Plan_©www.archdaily.com       Interior view_©www.archdaily.com

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Inspired by Bengaluru’s nickname, the ‘garden city,’ Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 is designed to be a ‘terminal in a garden.’ The terminal features two main structures—one housing 11 gates, and the other accommodating check-in desks, security checkpoints, and baggage reclaim. To move between these areas, passengers walk through a ‘forest belt’ filled with native plants.

The buildings are adorned with engineered bamboo, allowing natural light to filter in, and feature hanging plants and trees from the ceiling. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill incorporated traditional materials like locally sourced granite, red bricks, and woven rattan, enhancing the airport’s natural ambiance.

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© Manjunath Kiran


© Ekansh Goel


© Ekansh Goel

Jewel Changi Airport – Safdie Architects

Renowned for its exceptional airport designs, Singapore’s Changi Airport, crafted by the acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie, stands as one of Southeast Asia’s largest transportation hubs.

Terminal 3 was built to handle the growing volume of air traffic. What sets it apart is its blend of two distinct environments—a bustling marketplace and a lush garden—creating a community-centric space that captures both heart and soul. At the heart of the terminal is the world’s largest indoor waterfall, the “Rain Vortex,” which cools the adjacent forest valley garden. This garden, home to over 200 species of flora and fauna, has become a jewel of the airport.


© P. Kijsanayothin


Plan & Section _©www.safdiearchitects.com

Mactan Cebu International Airport T2 – Integrated Design Associates

MCIA, the second largest airport in the Philippines, features a modular design that allows for future expansions to accommodate rising traffic demands. The design concept reflects a resort-like ambiance while maintaining the functionality of an airport terminal.

The high-pitched roof and lower eaves help minimize heat gain and glare during the day. Additionally, the uppermost structure is reinforced to endure seismic activity and typhoon currents that are common in the region.


Exterior View ©www.archdaily.com


Conceptual View_©www.archdaily.com


©www.archdaily.com

Zayed International Airport – Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, which opened in November 2023 and was named in February, has quickly become a favorite among travelers. Skytrax recently ranked it as the third best new airport terminal for 2024. Kohn Pedersen Fox designed the airport with a roof inspired by desert sand dunes.

Inside, Sana Al-Nour, a public artwork connecting the departures and arrivals halls, features Islamic geometric patterns. The X-shaped terminal layout places gates close to the central area, ensuring an average walk time of just 12 minutes. Each aircraft pier reflects one of the emirate’s distinct environments: desert, sea, city, and oasis.


Exterior View © https://www.admiddleeast.com


Interior View © https://www.admiddleeast.com


View from Botom of Sana Al-Nour © kpf.com

References

https://www.archdaily.com/903169/airports-examples-in-plan-and-section
https://www.aviationbusinessme.com/ airports/ abu-dhabi-international-airport-zayed
https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/
https://www.kpf.com/news/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/