What do you know about airports? If you fly often, you've probably seen a lot of them. And of course, we made a list for ourselves, which includes the most beautiful airports according to your version.
High in the Caucasus Mountains, in northern Georgia, there is a small town called Mestia. It has a lot of medieval stone towers that form part of World Heritage UNESCO. But one tower is different from the rest. This is Queen Tamara Airport. It was built in 2010 and consists mainly of glass. The airport tower is square and points upward, and its wings are the ancient buildings located around it.
The airport's operations are not as successful as its design. Initially it was planned to make Mestia ski resort, but Queen Tamara Airport did not receive the code of the International Association air transport due to the small number of passengers. Now there's only one charter airline operates flights from Mestia four times a week.
Queen Tamar Airport is just one of many unique and beautifully designed airports featured in the book Airport Art: The World's Most Beautiful Terminals. The authors of this book are Alexander Gutzmer, Laura Frommberg and Stefan Eiselin. The book shows not only airports from which planes fly to all countries of the world, but also ones like Spaceport America in New Mexico, where the number of passengers is zero.
An airport is a complex complex that must ensure the operation of air transport, the departure and arrival of passengers and cargo. And all this should work like clockwork. But it is also the air gateway of a city or country. And that means a way to make a first impression, which, as we know, is very important. We will show you the most beautiful airports in the world.
Queen Tamara Airport. Georgia.
Lleida Airport - Alguire. Spain
Spaceport America. New Mexico, USA
Santos Dumont Airport. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas International Airport. Madrid, Spain
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. China
Photo: 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia/flickr (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Based on materials from: atlasobscura.com
And if not for Singapore, one could call the Baku airport named after Heydar Aliyev the most beautiful in the world.
I haven’t seen many airports yet, but among the countries of the former USSR this airport is the most beautiful I’ve ever been to.
Traveling around Azerbaijan, one conclusion can be drawn - the state has made transport problems a priority. In just a few years, modern air terminal complexes appeared in the country, runways were updated and the air fleet was modernized.
The country's special pride is its new air harbors. Two years ago, a new terminal at Heydar Aliyev International Airport was built, four new airports in the regions were previously put into operation, and two more were modernized. All segments are developing equally effectively in Azerbaijan aviation transport: passenger and freight transportation, business aviation and helicopter operations. 
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The airport has two terminals - old and new. Previously, the air harbor was called “Bina International Airport” (after the name of the suburb of Baku), but was renamed in 2004 in honor of the third president of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev. 
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The new air terminal complex of Heydar Aliyev International Airport was put into operation on April 23, 2014.
From the outside, the airport, like many buildings in Baku, does not have straight lines, and the structure itself is streamlined and smooth. 
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Baku Airport named after Heydar Aliyev is very surprising. Even those who have been to different airports in the world, recognized as the best and most beautiful. 
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The total area of the new airport complex, capable of serving 6 million passengers per year, is 65 thousand square meters. 
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The airport is located 25 kilometers from the city and you will need 20-30 minutes to get to the capital. 
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The inside of the airport is even more beautiful than the outside. On the second floor after passport control you will find huge wooden “cocoons”, inside of which there are coffee shops and shops, and even the most beautiful armchairs - cages, like for large parrots. 
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For everyone, without exception, the airport evokes the most positive emotions. 
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As in Russian airports, there are frame scanners and x-rays for luggage at the entrance.
The main emphasis was placed on a comfortable stay for passengers. As a result, numerous cozy cafes and restaurants, Duty free shops, mother and child rooms, VIP & CIP halls appeared. The number of passengers served per hour has almost doubled. 
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The halls are equipped with more than 2 thousand comfortable chairs, 150 monitors providing timely information to passengers, 40 check-in counters, 19 boarding gates, 13 of which are telescopic bridges, 30 escalators, 21 wide and transparent elevators, with Braille on the keyboard, provided as for ordinary passengers and passengers with disabilities. 
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For passengers with disabilities, there are also specially designated areas, marked with tactile signs, next to the baggage claim carousels. In addition to all this, there are employees on all floors of the terminal, to whom passengers arriving at the airport for the first time can turn for help. 
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Last year, the airport was awarded 4 stars by SkyTrax, an influential British consulting company specializing in studying the quality of services provided by various airlines and airports. Heydar Aliyev Airport is the second airport among post-Soviet states to receive 4 stars. 
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The building is equipped with the latest interactive management systems, such as Building Management and Lighting - allowing you to control air conditioning, ventilation and lighting, an automated sound warning system, Gate Operating System - facilitating the management of exits and Visual Docking Guidance System - guaranteeing the safe parking of aircraft in parking lots that are managed from the terminal control center. And most importantly, the airport is equipped with tomographs of the 4th security level, since its first and most important goal is the safety and regularity of flights. 
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The equipment installed in the control center allows you to control aircraft flights in an area of 165 thousand square kilometers. The new runway is equipped with lighting systems, radio navigation equipment and radars that meet the highest ICAO category. 
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In addition to the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, other air harbors of the country have also undergone deep modernization: Ganja, Nakhichevan, Gabala, Lenkorn, Zagatala. 
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The country's national carrier AZAL, Azerbaijan Airlines, accounts for almost 80% of passenger traffic in Azerbaijan. The company has rich history, which dates back to 1923, when the first mail and passenger flights between Baku and Tbilisi began to operate on German Junkers aircraft.
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Now AZAL is the largest carrier in the CIS with a total fleet approaching 30 modern airliners of various types. Last year, the airline was the first in the post-Soviet space to begin operating modern aircraft The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which together with the Airbus A340-500 are AZAL's flagships, operates the longest flights on the route network, including New York, Beijing and London. 
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On European routes, the airline operates comfortable aircraft manufactured by Airbus - A320 and A319. On short routes, the Brazilian Embraer E190 and Embraer E175 fit well. Now route network The company includes more than 40 destinations, both within Azerbaijan and in Europe, Asia and the USA.
And the President of Azerbaijan himself prefers the A340. 
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Let's return to the terminal.
Two cups of coffee and a baklava cake cost 10.8 manats, which in our money is about 400 rubles (don’t believe the bottom photo).
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Nobody prohibited photography in the departure hall. 
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Photography was prohibited at Duty Free - that's where I usually take pictures of prices. 
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By the way, the prices are quite low. But it is possible that not all products are of adequate quality - the Jemison bottle I bought leaked, the cork turned out to be of poor quality, which is unacceptable for stores Duty Free.
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The wine department is also enclosed in a “cocoon”, very beautiful. 
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The glass in the terminal is almost always slanted, making it not very convenient to photograph airplanes. But, if you try, you can find a place with straight windows and contemplate from there. 
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Artificial trees. 
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Let's go up to the Sky Team business lounge, it is located on the second floor in the hall international departures.
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The hall is small, but quite cozy. 
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You can come for drinks yourself, or you can wait for the bartender. 
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Overlooking the terminal.
Modern ones are real works of art from an architectural point of view. It is from the airport terminal that tourists begin their journey around any country. This is the calling card of a city or state. Therefore, they try to build airport terminal complexes that are both beautiful and functional.
From the photos of the most beautiful airports in the world, you can get an idea of the general trends in the architecture of this area. They will also help you understand why some people enjoy traveling by plane from one airport terminal to another. In this article we will list only the 10 most beautiful airports in the world.
One of the most beautiful airports in the world is Barajas. It was founded back in 1928. This is the main international airport complex. He is in 12 km from the capital. He has 4 terminals. The fourth terminal was built in 2008. The beautiful and colorful building impresses passengers.
Madrid Airport.
45 million people per year passes through this airport terminal. Flights from the rest of Spain arrive here, from Canary Islands, from European countries and Latin America. You can spend a pleasant time in the terminals while waiting for your flight.
"Kansai"
An entire artificial island was erected in the middle of Osaka Bay for this airport complex. The old Osaka Airport Terminal could not be expanded due to its proximity to the city limits. Therefore, it was necessary to create a complex outside the city.
Kansai Airport.
The new airport was designed according to plans Renzo Piano - Italian architect, who is considered the founder of the high-tech direction in architecture.
The choice of construction site was also due to the fact that earthquakes and typhoons are frequent. The complex is designed in such a way that they cannot touch it. The structure is made in the shape of an airplane wing. Kansai Airport in Japan serves flights within the country and from other countries.
Iman Khomeini Airport
This new airport complex, which was built to relieve congestion at the old Mehrabad airport, can be considered the largest and most beautiful airport in Iran.
Airport in Tehran.
It was opened in 2004. This is a gigantic complex with all the necessary services. The cost of the airport terminal is estimated at 60 million dollars. It serves international flights transferred there from the Mehrabad airport.
The old terminal complex accepts only freight traffic and a few domestic passenger traffic. The spacious and modern terminal building, where impeccable cleanliness reigns, provides travelers with the opportunity to have a pleasant time while waiting for their flight.
Kennedy Airport
It is one of the ten most beautiful not only in the world. Every minute in the sky above John F. Kennedy Airport there are dozens of planes that are only 50-100 m from each other. It was built on a former golf course, in 1962.
John F. Kennedy Airport.
In the list of the busiest airports in the world, it ranks seventeenth line. It is called the “winged gull” for the unusual architecture of the building. It symbolizes the abstract symbol of flight. The airport complex includes 8 terminals, each of which serves separate flights.
Incheon, in Seoul
The capital of South Korea can rightfully be proud of its “air gates”. Since its opening in 2001 it is regularly included in lists of the best airport complexes in the world. On its territory there are winter gardens, golf courses, massage rooms, a casino, etc.
Incheon Airport.
In its architecture it combines traditional and modern features. Hence the futuristic nature of the structure. The roof is made like a typical Korean temple, and the building itself is a complex structure of glass blocks and metal beams.
Menara in Marrakech
The snow-white terminal building with openwork inserts makes travelers feel like they are in a fairy tale. eastern palace. The architects created it as an ultra-modern terminal complex, but also took into account the traditional features inherent in Moroccan structures.
Menara Airport.
The light falling through the original windows creates intricate patterns inside the building. It is one of the busiest airports in North Africa. It is located 6 km from the capital. Engaged in international and domestic transportation.
Changi, in Singapore
17 km from the capital This amazing airport complex is located on the island. The “Golden Gate” of the country is what the residents themselves call it. Based on the number of passengers received per year, it is worth ranked 19th in the world. He received more than 280 awards since its opening.
Garden at Changi Airport.
Inside the airport terminal is decorated with flowers, palm trees, carpets, and soft sofas. To soften the impression of “manufacturability”, numerous natural motifs were used. Now the complex includes 5 operating terminals. Two runways allow him to receive aircraft of all types.
Carrasco Airport
5 km from the capital of Uruguay- the city of Montevideo - this air terminal complex is located. It got its name from the name of the city in which it is located - Paso Carrasco. The terminal roof is a curved arc, which fits perfectly into the overall landscape environment. The glass dome provides maximum illumination inside the building.
Carrasco Airport.
Comfortable halls and cozy terraces give travelers the opportunity to watch planes landing and taking off. This is a modern and convenient complex that serves all types of aircraft.
Denver Airport
This American airport complex amazes with the unusualness of its architecture. The roof of the complex resembles a cluster of numerous small yurts. A special coating provides warmth inside the building. He is in 40 km from the city itself.
Denver Airport.
It is the largest terminal complex in the United States. It also has the longest runway in the country. In the terminal building itself there is unusual paintings by artist Leo Tanguma. Some may find them too eccentric. They depict humanity's struggle against genocide.
“Cheklapkok”
The Hong Kong air terminal complex has become the best in the world more than once or twice. The dome is decorated wavy lines that look like ocean waves. Like the Japanese Kansai complex, it stands on artificial island. It is connected to the city by a 12-lane highway. It is also convenient to get there by train running between them.
Hong Kong Airport.
The whole complex consists from three comfortable terminals. Each of them is equipped with everything that passengers may need on the way. From cinemas to fitness rooms, it has everything.
The vast majority of airport interiors are extremely practical, and sometimes even boring. This is due to the fact that for a very long time only one simple idea reigned in the minds of architects. It seemed that passengers only needed high-quality infrastructure and clear navigation within the facility. It is for this reason that when creating airport terminal complexes, designers cared only about the comfort of the halls and the visibility of the signs.
However, over time, the needs of tourists have also changed. Today, airports expect not only convenience, but also beautiful design. After all, this is the face of the country! The terminal building should intrigue, amaze and create a special mood while passengers wait for their flight. This idea has resulted in a modern trend in the construction of an air harbor, which is most clearly observed in Asian countries.
For example, China and South Korea They consider airports to be one of the symbols of the nation. Therefore, the costs associated with creating a unique architectural style, are not considered a waste. Moreover, by building phenomenal structures, they demonstrate not only their wealth, but also their technological mastery. Following Asia throughout to the globe New terminals appear, which are more and more impressive each time.
Although this is not surprising, because their goal is to revive the once-lost magical feeling of traveling by plane. To be fair, it is worth noting that the original ideas for building air terminals also did not go by the wayside.
The architecture of modern airports combines unique design, beauty and increased comfort. Thus, the world's most beautiful airports not only delight in their appearance. Their interior helps travelers get to their desired exit in a timely manner.
Beijing international Airport, Terminal 3, China. The so-called "Gateway to China" is two kilometers long and resembles a huge hidden dragon at the very edge of the airfield. This impression is created thanks to the architects' idea. They created an extremely complex structure on the roof. Namely, a mesh of glass and metal parts that filters sunlight at a special angle. As a result, it is divided into yellow and red spectra, which not only gives color to the ceiling, but also helps guide travelers in the building. The architects also took a very practical approach to the use of cardinal directions. The terminal itself is oriented from north to south, which helps newly arrived passengers adapt faster. The window system is directed to the southeast, which allows to extend the presence of daylight in the rooms. Terminal 3 has a developed infrastructure. If you want to eat, there is a special area called "World Kitchen". 72 restaurants offer food for a wide range of tastes: from fast food to traditional food, from Chinese to Western, from baked goods to ice cream, and so on. Moreover, there is a shopping, duty-free and business zone where there are banks, business and Internet centers, and much more.
Madrid-Barajas Airport, Terminal 4, Spain. Terminal 4 opened in Madrid in 2006. Now 35 million passengers annually pass under the light, undulating roof covered with bamboo and supported by colorful pylons. The single terminal space consists of several levels. It is illuminated primarily by daylight, which enters through special openings in the roof. Of course, the main achievement of the airport is the atmosphere created with the help of visual effects. Glass panels and gentle light filling the space create a feeling of calming harmony and relieve tension. Thanks to the simplicity of the linear design, it is quite difficult to get lost even in such a huge space. At the same time, large rooms do not put pressure on passengers: travelers seem to be in a colorful rainbow. With this new terminal, Madrid is trying to establish itself as Europe's premier air hub.
John F. Kennedy Airport, TWA Terminal, New York, USA. TWA Terminal (full name - "International Airlines Center"), today is called "Terminal No. 5". It was opened in 1962. The building's design was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinero. The structure is an abstract symbol of flight, which is why it received the nickname “winged gull”. This building was considered one of the most original airports in the world. Due to the airline crisis, the TWA terminal was closed for reconstruction. In 2008, renovation work came to an end, and the building became the property of JetBlue Airways. For the first time in the history of airports, baggage conveyors, electronic displays, predecessors of modern baggage scales, and even cable television appeared here. In this air harbor there is a wonderful opportunity to feel that very “pleasant excitement of traveling by plane.”
Carrasco International Airport, Montevideo, Uruguay. The new terminal was opened in 2009. Its architecture is absolutely simple. The huge, luxurious arc fits perfectly into the local landscape. And underneath are spacious arrival and departure halls, gently flooded with sunlight. The 400 meter wide dome is made of glass, allowing maximum use of natural light. It reveals a fascinating view of the runways. It is believed that the smooth curve and lower profile of the building's monolithic roof are designed based on the views of the dunes along coastline Uruguay. Cozy terraces and comfortable airport lounges are designed to provide a warm welcome not only to the travelers themselves, but also to their loved ones.
Sondica Airport, Bilbao, Spain. Sondika Airport opened in the Spanish province in 2000. He was immediately nicknamed la paloma - “the little dove”. And this is no accident, because with its outline it really resembles a bird. The terminal's interior is decorated with a variety of architectural elements. Rigid intersecting “ribs” on the walls, floor and ceiling, handrails of the stairs intertwined with the sun’s rays create a special rhythm of modern baroque and remind passengers of the precious heritage of the famous architect Gaudi.
Denver International Airport, USA. The air harbor opened in February 1995. Its construction cost 4.8 billion dollars. This building completely refutes all traditional ideas about what a real airport should look like. Travelers are delighted not only by the convenient location of the premises, but also by the unusual roof, which is not surprising. After all, the design of the building resembles rocky snowy Mountain peaks, which are a local landmark. The airport looks most impressive against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains when approaching it from the east. The roof covering is a unique development that allows you to retain solar heat in winter. Moreover, this particular building took first place in the list of the most sustainable structures on the planet. The unusual atmosphere of the air pier is created by the whimsical music that accompanies the arrival of the airport's moving walkway. It was created by Denver musician Jim Green (his idea is also the "laughing escalators" at the local Convention Center).
Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea. Incheon Airport opened in 2001. Since that time, it has regularly been included in ratings of the best airports in the world. Thus, every year since 2005, it is recognized as the best in the world according to Airports Council International and receives the highest rating of “Five Stars” according to the British research company Skytrax. The building of such a valuable transport hub has an exclusive infrastructure of amenities, including golf courses, casinos, massage rooms, bedrooms and winter gardens. However, this air harbor is not just convenient for travelers. It fascinates them with its beauty against the backdrop of the bright blue sea and immediately introduces visitors to the local culture. The roof arch is similar to a traditional Korean temple. The corridors of the arrivals area are decorated with various elements that recall the five thousand years of history of this land. In addition, this building is one of the few on earth that, even 10 years after construction, still looks futuristic.
Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco. Marrakech Menara is much more than just an airport. It can safely be called a “time machine”. Arriving in a high-tech building built in the 21st century, you nevertheless find yourself in a city where the spirit of antiquity reigns. The traditions of distant ancestors, as well as the art of the ancient East, are honored here. The airport itself may well be considered a real wonder of the world. Indeed, in its design, the architects managed to incredibly harmoniously weave into a single whole the fast pace of life and modern technology with ancient local traditions in art. And here is the result - an openwork, snow-white, airy miracle, more reminiscent of a luxurious palace. When constructing the airport building, local architects were guided by two main ideas - light and environmental friendliness. The entire structure consists of huge rhombuses, and their hollow planes are filled with graceful arabesques in oriental style. The light entering through such original windows creates wonderful patterns in the rooms. And to preserve the environment, there are 72 photovoltaic pyramids on the roof of the building that generate the required amount of energy. Marrakech Menara Airport is considered small by world standards. However, its extraordinary surroundings give it the right to call it one of the most beautiful airports on the planet.
Chek Lap Kok Airport, Hong Kong. The airport opened for commercial use in 1998. And, despite its relatively short history, Hong Kong International Air Harbor has repeatedly become the owner international awards, How best airport peace. Although it is likely that this project may seem very modest when compared with other amazing air terminals. However, its beauty is still special. It is directly related to functionality and exemplary infrastructure. After all, the passenger can easily navigate it almost with his eyes closed (which is especially valuable for travelers after such a tiring 17-hour flight from New York). The undulating roof of the building has a subconscious effect on travelers. It, like a pointer arrow, forces tourists to move in the right direction. The reputation of one of the largest transport hubs is supported by a comfortable express train going directly to the city center and a 12-lane highway leading to the airport. By the way, the train is very difficult to miss, since it departs directly from the main terminal building.
Malvinas Argentinas Airport, Ushuaia, Argentina. The airport is located 4 kilometers south of the center of Ushuaia, a city on the island of Tierra del Fuego. This is perhaps the southernmost international airport on the planet. It seems to be the gateway to Patagonia and the Arctic. Sky Jetty is located right next to the Beagle Channel (the latter is named after the ship in which Charles Darwin sailed around South America). It would seem that for such a remote air harbor it would be quite normal to see ugly bunker terminals. However, all the buildings are not just elegant. They are in absolute harmony with the majestic Andes.
Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan. Air harbor, built according to a design by Renzo Piano, was located on an artificial island off the coast of Osaka. Here, right in the middle of the bay, a corner of the earth appeared 4 thousand meters long and a thousand meters wide. According to the plan, this complex structure was supposed to withstand severe typhoons, high tsunamis and strong earthquakes. On January 17, 1995, Japan was struck by a terrible earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. More than 6 thousand people died, but the airport still remained undamaged. Later, three years later, a typhoon swept over it. The wind speed reached 200 kilometers per hour. And the building survived again thanks to its thoughtful design, according to appearance resembling an airplane wing. Today Kansai is a unique airport that has no analogues in the world. It is the only one located directly in the sea and, moreover, quite successfully. After all, water muffles the noise of endlessly taking off and landing planes. Thus, the air terminal operating without interruption does not cause any inconvenience local residents. Not far from it there is an air park. Here, tourists can have fun with flight simulators or watch takeoffs and landings from the observatory. In addition to its original location, Kansai has another interesting characteristic: like Great Wall, it is clearly visible from space.
© depositphotos.comWhere does a world traveler's route begin? Of course, from the airport. Here tourists can spend long hours waiting for their flight. We invite you to see what the most beautiful airports in the world look like - this is the very case when waiting for a delayed flight is not tiring, but visually pleasing.
- Dubai Airport United United Arab Emirates
Dubai Airport, United Arab Emirates © depositphotos.com
Dubai International Airport is the largest in the country and, perhaps, the most beautiful not only in the Middle East, but throughout the world. The most modern technologies were used during the construction of the airport. And its design is so beautiful and unusual that you can spend hours walking around the airport, looking at every detail. The airport has several luxurious gardens with huge trees and fish ponds. You can cross them on bridges.
- Barajas Airport, Terminal 4, Madrid, Spain
Barajas Airport, Terminal 4, Madrid, Spain © depositphotos.com
The fourth terminal of this Spanish airport is still completely new, as it was opened only in 2008. But thanks to him, Barajas has already taken its rightful place among the largest and most beautiful airports in the world. The terminal's capacity is up to 35 thousand people per year. Its space is huge, and thanks to the high arches there is a feeling of freedom - they do not put pressure on a person. And bright colors create a positive atmosphere. We advise everyone who is planning a trip to Madrid to plunge into this huge rainbow.
- Changi Airport, Singapore
Changi Airport, Singapore © depositphotos.com
Singaporeans themselves call Changi Airport the country's Golden Gate. And they don't seem to be exaggerating. The excellent combination of modern design with soft sofas, carpets and beautiful plants makes this airport in Singapore very cozy and one of the most beautiful in the world. It also looks like a huge shopping center.
- Carrasco Airport, Montevideo, Uruguay
Carrasco Airport, Montevideo, Uruguay © depositphotos.com
At first glance, the architecture of the airport in the capital of Uruguay may seem simple to some. But once you look closely, you begin to understand the meaning of this simplicity. Just as a child’s drawing can be very non-standard, the arched architectural design of Carrasco Airport attracts with its unusual solution. Thanks to the airport's 400-meter glass dome, the huge space is filled with natural light.
- Marrakech Menara Airport, Morocco
Marrakech Menara Airport, Morocco © depositphotos.com
At Marrakech Menara Airport, the creators managed to harmoniously combine modern technologies and trends with traditional Islamic architecture. Massive rhombuses, the hollow planes of which are filled with beautiful oriental patterns that cast an original openwork shadow.
- Kuala Lumpur Airport, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur Airport, Malaysia © depositphotos.com
This one is bright and unusual airport was built according to the design of the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. However, the architecture has a traditional Malaysian style. The “feature” of the airport can be called the cone-shaped support towers. And in the evenings they are very beautifully illuminated from the inside.
- Ronald Reagan Airport, Washington, USA
Ronald Reagan Airport, Washington, USA © depositphotos.com
As beautiful as this airport in the US capital is, it is also inconvenient. At least, that's what the pilots who fly into Ronald Reagan Airport think so. The fact is that air space The airport is very limited, and there are too many government buildings around. All this makes the fit so difficult that it can be compared to a futile attempt to thread a thick thread into a tiny eye of a needle. But tourists really like Ronald Reagan Airport - there are several platforms in Washington from which you can watch huge planes land every minute.
