Two of India’s busiest airports have been named among the seven most beautiful in the world, a recognition that underscores the country’s growing ambition to merge cutting-edge design with functional aviation infrastructure. Architectural Digest India this week placed Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) alongside global icons such as Singapore Changi, Beijing Daxing, and Istanbul Airport, signaling India’s arrival as a leader in airport aesthetics and passenger experience.
The ranking arrives at a pivotal moment for India’s aviation sector, which has seen rapid expansion in recent years. With passenger traffic projected to surpass 500 million annually by 2030, airports are no longer viewed merely as transit points but as critical gateways that shape first impressions of the country. The inclusion of Bengaluru and Hyderabad in the list reflects a broader shift in global airport design—one that prioritizes not just efficiency but also beauty, sustainability, and cultural identity.
What Happened
Architectural Digest India released its list of the “7 Most Beautiful Airports in the World” earlier this week, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad securing two of the seven spots. The publication highlighted the airports’ innovative designs, which blend modern architecture with local cultural motifs and environmental sustainability.
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), often called the “Terminal in a Garden,” was praised for its biophilic design—a concept that integrates natural elements into built environments to reduce stress and improve well-being. The airport’s 1.5-acre indoor forest, expansive glass facades, and locally inspired architectural details were cited as standout features. Since its 2025 expansion, the airport has become a model for sustainable aviation, incorporating rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and energy-efficient systems. Its design has been credited with reducing passenger fatigue and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), meanwhile, was recognized for its Pavilion Terminal, inaugurated in 2024. The terminal’s facade features intricate jaali (lattice) patterns inspired by traditional Indian architecture, while its grand central atrium evokes the grandeur of historic palaces. The airport also includes a rooftop garden and a dedicated cultural gallery, reinforcing its role as a showcase for regional heritage. The terminal’s design has been lauded for its seamless integration of art, technology, and passenger comfort, setting a new standard for airports in South Asia.
The other airports on the list include:
– Singapore Changi Airport (Singapore), renowned for its indoor waterfall, the Jewel Changi, and lush gardens.
– Beijing Daxing International Airport (China), designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, known for its starfish-shaped terminal and futuristic aesthetics.
– Istanbul Airport (Turkey), celebrated for its vast scale and Ottoman-inspired design.
– Marrakech Menara Airport (Morocco), which blends modern architecture with traditional Moroccan motifs.
– Hamad International Airport (Qatar), recognized for its luxury amenities and striking art installations.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of Bengaluru and Hyderabad in Architectural Digest India’s ranking carries significance beyond mere aesthetic recognition. It reflects India’s broader push to position itself as a global aviation hub, a goal that aligns with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and modernize airport infrastructure. The recognition could also have tangible economic benefits, as airports that offer superior passenger experiences often attract more international flights, tourism, and business travel.
For India, the ranking serves as a moment of validation for its architectural and engineering capabilities. The country has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, but its modern infrastructure has often been overshadowed by challenges such as overcrowding, delays, and operational inefficiencies. The inclusion of two Indian airports in a global list of this nature signals a shift in perception, highlighting the country’s ability to compete with established aviation hubs in both form and function.
However, the recognition also raises questions about the broader state of India’s aviation infrastructure. While Bengaluru and Hyderabad have garnered praise, other major airports—such as Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport—continue to face criticism for overcrowding, long wait times, and operational bottlenecks. The contrast underscores the uneven progress in India’s airport modernization efforts, where design excellence does not always translate into seamless passenger experiences.
Background and Context
India’s aviation sector has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. The country is now the world’s third-largest aviation market by passenger traffic, behind only the United States and China. This growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including rising disposable incomes, increased air travel affordability, and government policies aimed at expanding airport capacity.
The UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, has been a key driver of this expansion. The initiative aims to connect underserved and unserved airports across the country, making air travel accessible to a broader segment of the population. Under UDAN, the government has invested heavily in upgrading existing airports and constructing new ones, with a focus on both functionality and design. The scheme has also encouraged private sector participation, leading to public-private partnerships that have accelerated infrastructure development.
Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s airports are prime examples of this trend. Kempegowda International Airport, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), underwent a major expansion in 2025, adding a new terminal that doubled its capacity. The airport’s biophilic design was a deliberate choice, aimed at reducing passenger stress and creating a more pleasant travel environment. The terminal’s indoor forest, for instance, was designed to improve air quality and provide a calming atmosphere, while its use of natural light reduces energy consumption.
Similarly, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), has positioned itself as a leader in passenger experience. The airport’s Pavilion Terminal, inaugurated in 2024, was designed to reflect the region’s cultural heritage while incorporating modern amenities. The terminal’s jaali patterns, inspired by traditional Indian architecture, serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose, allowing natural light to filter through while reducing heat gain. The airport also features a rooftop garden and a cultural gallery, which showcases local art and history, further enhancing its appeal to travelers.
Competing Claims and Uncertainty
While the Architectural Digest India ranking has been widely celebrated, it has also sparked debate about the criteria used to assess airport “beauty.” The publication did not disclose a detailed methodology for its selection, leaving room for questions about how factors such as sustainability, passenger flow, and cultural representation were weighted. For instance, while Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s airports excel in design and aesthetics, their operational efficiency has not been universally praised. Some travelers and industry experts have noted that despite their visual appeal, both airports have faced challenges in managing peak-hour congestion and maintaining seamless passenger flows.
Additionally, the ranking does not account for the broader operational context of India’s aviation sector. While Bengaluru and Hyderabad have received accolades, other major airports in the country continue to struggle with overcrowding and inefficiencies. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, for example, is one of the busiest in the world but has faced criticism for long security lines, inadequate seating, and frequent delays. Similarly, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, despite its architectural merits, has been plagued by capacity constraints and operational bottlenecks.
There is also the question of whether “beauty” in airport design should be prioritized over functionality. While aesthetically pleasing airports can enhance passenger satisfaction, they must also be equipped to handle the practical demands of modern air travel, including high passenger volumes, security requirements, and logistical challenges. Some industry analysts argue that India’s focus on design excellence must be matched by equal attention to operational efficiency to ensure that its airports can compete with global hubs like Singapore Changi or Dubai International.
What to Watch Next
The recognition of Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s airports could have several ripple effects across India’s aviation sector. Here are some key developments to watch in the coming months and years:
1. Increased Investment in Airport Design: The inclusion of two Indian airports in a global ranking may encourage further investment in architectural innovation. Other airports in the country, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, could prioritize design upgrades to enhance their global competitiveness. This could lead to more public-private partnerships aimed at modernizing airport infrastructure.
2. Focus on Sustainability: Both Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s airports have set benchmarks for sustainable design, incorporating features such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and energy-efficient systems. This trend is likely to continue, with other airports adopting similar practices to reduce their environmental footprint. The Indian government’s push for net-zero emissions in aviation could further accelerate this shift.
3. Operational Improvements: While design excellence is important, the focus must now shift to ensuring that India’s airports can handle growing passenger volumes efficiently. The government and airport operators may invest in technologies such as biometric screening, automated check-in systems, and AI-driven passenger flow management to reduce congestion and improve the travel experience.
4. Tourism and Economic Impact: Airports that offer superior passenger experiences often attract more international flights and tourism. The recognition of Bengaluru and Hyderabad could boost their appeal as destinations for business and leisure travelers, potentially leading to increased foreign investment and tourism revenue. The airports’ cultural galleries and rooftop gardens, for instance, could become attractions in their own right, drawing visitors even before they board their flights.
5. Regional Airport Development: The success of Bengaluru and Hyderabad could serve as a model for smaller airports across India. Under the UDAN scheme, regional airports in cities such as Leh, Dehradun, and Guwahati have already seen upgrades, but there is scope for further development. These airports could incorporate design elements that reflect local culture and heritage, creating a unique identity while improving connectivity.
6. Global Rankings and Benchmarking: The Architectural Digest India ranking is likely to inspire other publications and organizations to evaluate airports based on design and passenger experience. India’s airports may feature more prominently in future global rankings, providing further validation for the country’s aviation sector. However, this will also increase scrutiny of their operational performance, as rankings often consider both aesthetics and functionality.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) in Architectural Digest India’s list of the world’s most beautiful airports is a landmark achievement for India’s aviation sector. It reflects the country’s growing ambition to blend architectural innovation with functional design, positioning itself as a global leader in airport infrastructure.
However, the recognition also highlights the challenges that lie ahead. While Bengaluru and Hyderabad have set new standards for design excellence, India’s aviation sector must now focus on ensuring that its airports can deliver seamless passenger experiences at scale. This will require not only continued investment in architectural innovation but also a commitment to operational efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement.
For now, the ranking serves as a moment of pride for India’s aviation and architectural communities. It demonstrates the country’s ability to compete with global aviation hubs in both form and function, and it underscores the potential for India’s airports to become destinations in their own right. As the sector continues to evolve, the world will be watching to see whether India can translate its design ambitions into a truly world-class aviation experience.
Story synopsis gathered from: Architectural Digest India via Google News India — source.
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Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India — source.
