The World's 5 Most Unique Airports by Design

While the vast majority of airports are built with the aesthetics and the design at the rear of the priorities list, certain airports worldwide are unique in design. This is actually by choice of those who built them, as the more unique airports can sometimes attract more notice from the media and, therefore, increase traffic to said airports.

Today, we'll look at the 5 most uniquely designed airports worldwide.

5. Denver International Airport (DEN). Denver, CO, USA

While DEN's terminal layout is very similar to a plethora of other airports, its main concourse for check-in, security checkpoints, baggage claim, and other services is anything but typical. The airport's Jeppesen Terminal is designed to mimic the Rocky Mountains, with fabric peaks in the shape of tents on the roof. 

The terminal is also used for environmental protection, with solar power continuously generated on the roof. Passengers arriving at the airport will no doubt see this majestic terminal, and it's very hard to miss due to its dramatic appearance.

4. Marrakech Airport (RAK). Marrakech, Morocco

Passengers arriving or departing here will notice a unique design not seen anywhere else. A partnership between E2A of Casablanca and the French firm of CR architecture, the main terminal incorporates design elements from Arab culture innovatively, such as the Rhombus cutouts in the roof overhang that cast fantastical shadows over the main terminal floor. Large triangular windows adorned with Arabian designs also provide a welcoming taste of Moroccan culture. 

3. Montevideo Airport (MVD). Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo Airport's design leaves many passengers stunned and impressed. Designed to look like a massive sphere built into the ground, the airport's roof is curved, and white adds character to the grey concrete areas below near the check-in terminal. The airport also features flexing curved designs inside made of porcelain.

2. Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX). Beijing, China

The second airport in Beijing after Capital Airport, PKX, opened in 2019, just before the pandemic brought air travel to a standstill globally. The airport's pinwheel design, where six "tentacles" beach out from the terminal, has not yet been adopted anywhere else. It also stands out from above with a gold-colored ceiling that's hard to miss. 

1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Singapore

Changi Airport is one of the most well-known airports for being uniquely designed inside and out. The airport contains numerous uncommon amenities and activities for passengers in the terminals. Still, it also includes the Jewel, a massive towering structure with a waterfall in the middle, greenery, and a shopping mall on the outskirts.

Boredom certainly isn't an issue there! The rest of the airport is laid out efficiently, although the design of the rest of the airport pales in comparison to the Jewel. The airport has also received accolades for its innovative technology and amenities.