San Diego International Airport’s New Terminal 1 Named Among the World’s Most Beautiful Airports

San Diego International Airport's (SAN) new Terminal 1 has been named to the World's Most Beautiful Airports List 2026 by Prix Versailles, the prestigious international award program that recognizes outstanding contemporary architecture and design. Terminal 1 was one of only two U.S. airports and one of seven airports worldwide selected for the 2026 list.

"We are incredibly honored that our new Terminal 1 has received this prestigious international Prix Versailles recognition," said Atif Saeed, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "The vision, creativity, and dedication of the New Terminal 1 team resulted in a terminal that reflects the spirit and character of San Diego. 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."

Designed by Gensler, Terminal 1 was completed in September 2025 and replaces the original 1960's terminal. It draws its identity from San Diego's landscape of canyons, sea, and sky, expressed through commissioned art installations, angled ceiling forms, mosaic glass details, and an outdoor terrace offering sweeping views across the city. Locally inspired dining and retail shops further enhance the customer experience and reinforce a strong sense of place.

"San Diego's new Terminal 1 represents something we care deeply about at Gensler; the idea that a great airport can genuinely transform a city's relationship with the world," said Terence Young, Aviation Leader and Principal at Gensler. "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. That ambition is exactly what the Prix Versailles recognizes, and we are honored to be on this list."

Terminal 1 joins six other airports recognized on the World's Most Beautiful Airports List 2026: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3 in China, Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 in Germany, Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport Terminal 2 in India, Navi Mumbai International Airport Terminal 1 in India, Techo International Airport in Cambodia, and Pittsburgh International Airport in the United States.

The annual Prix Versailles world selection highlights airports and terminals that exemplify architectural excellence while advancing innovation, sustainability, cultural identity, and the passenger experience. This year's selected airports demonstrate how aviation facilities are evolving beyond traditional transportation hubs to become destinations that reflect the character, aspirations, and dynamism of their communities.

The Prix Versailles was established in 2015 and is announced annually at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. It recognizes the world's finest contemporary architectural projects for their innovation, creativity, ecological efficiency, and reflection of local heritage. Its independent jury evaluates projects across categories including airports, hotels, museums, campuses, passenger stations, sports facilities, large-format retail, and restaurants.

For photos of SAN's Terminal 1, please click here. For more information on San Diego International Airport, please visit san.org.