03 Unique Airports Around the World

Some people think of airports as lavish waiting areas with overpriced snacks and endless corridors. Others think of them as fascinating sites of human activity and centers of excitement—part travel hub, part art gallery, part mall, and sometimes an architectural masterpiece.

Sure, airports have one purpose: to get people from point A to point B in comfort. But some airports that have managed to break the mold with stunning design, indoor gardens, or charming attractions can turn a simple transit into an experience in itself.

Between security checks, passport control, and the anticipation of disruption, traveling can be stressful. These 03 unique airports will make you wonder why not every travel hub is this great.

01. Madrid–Barajas Airport, Spain

Madrid’s Barajas Airport first opened in 1931 as the city’s main international airport. Designed by Richard Rogers and Antonio Lamela, this architectural gem features a stunning domed roof in Terminal 4.

The terminal is flooded with natural light, creating a relaxing atmosphere for passengers. The undulating roof, supported by central columns that resemble modern trees, not only adds to the beauty of the building, but also helps reduce the airport’s energy consumption.

It is Spain’s busiest airport and serves as a hub for domestic airline Iberia. Passengers transit through this sunny terminal to all parts of Europe and beyond.

02. Beijing Daxing International Airport, China

From a bird’s eye view (or plane view), Beijing Daxing International Airport looks like a six-pointed star. Opened in 2019, it’s a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by the late Zaha Hadid. Its starfish-shaped terminal is both futuristic and functional, reducing the usual long walks for passengers with a central concourse.

Inside, the geometrically inspired space feels massive. It features wide-open spaces and plenty of natural light thanks to numerous skylights.

It’s a major hub for Air China and Hainan Airlines, which connect Beijing to almost every Chinese domestic and international destination.

9. Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport is easily recognizable by its tent-like roof, designed to resemble the snow-capped mountains of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The unique design pays homage to the natural beauty of the area (and the reason so many passengers fly to this airport in the first place).

The roof isn’t just impressive during the day. At night, it glows like a warm light shining through the tent fabric.

The interior also features some impressive artwork, with interesting art murals and rotating exhibits covering the walls of the terminal.