The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Terminal 2) have been recognised as the world's most beautiful airports for their architectural excellence, sustainability and passenger experience by international airports.

The recognition was announced at the annual Prix Versailles Design Awards, which take place at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, for outstanding airport architecture, innovation, cultural identity and environmental responsibility.

The design of Terminal 1 at Navi Mumbai International Airport and its special architecture of lotus, which combines technology, art and functionality, was a world-class travel hub symbolising India's future. The judges, however, were impressed by the design of the Terminal 2 at Guwahati, based on the Bamboo Orchid, paying tribute to the region’s rich biodiversity. The terminal is a blend of sustainable elements and cultural symbolism, showcasing state-of-the-art design and architecture while also integrating with the surrounding environment and culture.

The recognition is a testament to India's rising importance on the regional and global aviation infrastructure spectrum, where modern terminals are increasingly blending sustainability and passenger amenities with iconic design, according to airport officials and industry observers.

The inclusion of two Indian airports reflects a broader trend in airport development that increasingly integrates cultural identity, sustainability and environmental performance into planning and design.

Alongside Navi Mumbai and Guwahati airports from in China, Germany, Cambodia and the United States were also included in the list of Prix Versailles 2026. This year three of the entries on the list will be battling for the world title in various fields, from interior to exteriors.