SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco International Airport is gaining global attention for something beyond flight schedules and passenger volume: design. In early December 2025, Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) received the Prix Versailles title for the World’s Most Beautiful Airport, an award presented annually at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
The recognition places SFO among a small group of airports being evaluated not only for operational performance, but also for how well they deliver comfort, sustainability, and a sense of place. With more than 51 million passengers traveling through SFO each year, the award signals that even high-traffic airports can prioritize architecture and passenger well-being without sacrificing efficiency.
A Major Global Design Award for a Major U.S. Gateway
Prix Versailles is widely seen as a prestigious international design award, and its airport category highlights terminals that set a high standard for both form and function. For SFO, the award adds a new dimension to its reputation as one of the country’s busiest and most strategically positioned airports, serving as a key link between the U.S., Asia, and Europe.
“Airports rarely draw attention for their architecture, yet San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has emerged as a global benchmark for design excellence.”
That recognition reflects a growing shift in the aviation sector, where airports are increasingly judged on how they manage passenger experience, design quality, and environmental responsibility alongside traditional measures such as capacity and punctuality.
A $2.4 Billion Redevelopment Completed in Phases
Harvey Milk Terminal 1’s transformation was the result of a long-term redevelopment effort designed to modernize one of SFO’s busiest domestic terminals. The project began with the terminal’s initial opening in 2019 and concluded in June 2024, delivering a reimagined space built around natural light, openness, and improved passenger flow.
Prix Versailles judges highlighted the terminal’s restorative atmosphere and credited its architecture with encouraging passengers to slow down and engage with their surroundings rather than rush through them. The design emphasis on wide corridors and thoughtful circulation is particularly significant for a terminal that must handle heavy daily traffic and peak travel surges.
Sustainability at the Center of the Redesign
Beyond aesthetics, sustainability was a key pillar of the terminal’s redevelopment. According to the press release, the terminal achieved a 79 percent reduction in carbon emissions and reduced energy use by 59 percent—results that position the project as a high benchmark for large-scale airport upgrades in North America.
The sustainability approach is reflected in both the terminal’s systems and its materials. Daylight-filled interiors reduce reliance on artificial lighting, while energy-efficient systems support lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. Materials were also selected for durability and long-term performance, a major consideration in airport construction where constant wear is expected.
Rooftop Gardens and a “Quiet Airport” Philosophy
One of the terminal’s most distinctive features is its rooftop gardens overlooking the runway. These spaces provide passengers with rare access to greenery in an airport environment, offering a calmer setting amid the pace of modern air travel. The gardens also serve as visual landmarks within the terminal, helping create a stronger connection between the building’s design and the surrounding landscape.
The terminal also incorporates a quiet-airport philosophy, relying more heavily on digital signage and limiting frequent overhead announcements. This reduces noise pollution and supports a more relaxed experience, particularly for families, business travelers, and passengers who are sensitive to sound.
Local Culture Built Into the Passenger Experience
Harvey Milk Terminal 1 also stands out for how directly it integrates San Francisco’s cultural identity into the travel experience. As the world’s first airport terminal named after an LGBTQ civil rights leader, it includes a permanent exhibition honoring Harvey Milk’s legacy.
In addition, the terminal features more than 30 original artworks celebrating the Bay Area’s creative and progressive character, reinforcing the idea that airports increasingly serve as cultural gateways rather than neutral transit spaces.
Travel and Leisure has also pointed to the terminal’s emphasis on passenger-centered design choices, including gender-neutral restrooms, wellness zones, accessible wayfinding, and wide corridors designed to reduce congestion during peak hours.
Regional Dining and Retail Reinforce a Sense of Place
SFO’s terminal strategy also extends into its commercial offerings. Dining and retail concepts prioritize local brands and regional products, aiming to give travelers a distinct Bay Area experience before they even leave the airport.
The press release highlighted outlets such as Bourbon Pub, which offers menus developed by well-known local chefs. The approach supports local businesses while strengthening the terminal’s identity as a reflection of the region it serves.
What the Award Signals for the Airport Industry
Harvey Milk Terminal 1’s Prix Versailles win highlights a broader trend in airport development: modern terminals are expected to deliver more than capacity. Design quality, sustainability performance, and cultural representation are becoming part of how airports compete and how passengers judge their experience.
For airport operators, these investments can also carry business benefits, from stronger traveler satisfaction to increased retail and dining engagement, and potentially greater appeal to premium airline partners.
Bottom Line
Harvey Milk Terminal 1’s recognition as the World’s Most Beautiful Airport reinforces that airports can be both functional and inspiring. At SFO, the combination of architecture, sustainability, and cultural storytelling has created a terminal that reflects San Francisco’s values while setting a new global standard for airport design.
