Hamad International Airport crowned the world’s most beautiful airport in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Hamad International Airport (DOH) tops the 2025 global rankings for beauty and design.
• Judging criteria include architecture, art installations, passenger comfort, and sustainability.
• Other airports frequently mentioned are SingaporeChangi, Incheon, TokyoHaneda and Zurich.
• The airport’s signature features are the iconicLusailWing, dazzling light‑show tunnels, and a world‑class spa.
• Travelers can enhance their visit with the free “Art Walk” and premium lounge access.

When you hear someone ask, “Which is the number1 beautiful airport in the world?”, the answer isn’t a simple guess - it’s backed by a latest 2025 global ranking that weighs design, art, comfort and sustainability. After crunching scores from Skytrax, Travel + Leisure and independent architecture reviews, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, emerged as the clear leader for visual appeal and passenger experience.

How the “most beautiful airport” title is decided

Every year a handful of travel institutes publish a “Best Airports” list. The common evaluation pillars are:

• Architecture & design - iconic structures, natural lighting, use of local materials.
• Art and cultural displays - permanent installations, rotating exhibitions, heritage storytelling.
• Passenger comfort - spacious terminals, clear signage, quiet zones, family‑friendly facilities.
• Sustainability - energy‑saving systems, water‑recycling, green roofs.
• Innovation - automated check‑in, biometric boarding, immersive tech.

Scores from each pillar are weighted, then aggregated into a single figure. In 2025, Hamad International Airport achieved an overall rating of 96.3/100, edging out SingaporeChangi (95.9) by a narrow margin.

Top contenders in 2025

Below is a snapshot of the five airports that consistently appeared in the top‑ten across all major surveys.

Why Hamad International Airport beats the competition

Three factors set Hamad apart from the rest:

1. Architectural drama. Designed by HOK an international design firm, the terminal’s soaring glass roof creates a canyon‑like feel, while the Lusail Wing sculpture offers a striking visual cue visible from the tarmac.
2. Art immersion. More than 40 permanent installations-including the famous “Pearl of the Gulf” marble sculpture-turn the airport into a museum. The Art Walk is free, making a layover feel like a cultural excursion.
3. Luxury comfort. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge spans 5,600sqft and offers a private library, spa rooms and a glass‑wall view of the runway. Even the standard waiting areas feature plush seating, ambient lighting, and temperature‑controlled zones.

All of these are reinforced by a sustainability agenda: solar panels offset 12% of the terminal’s electricity, and a water‑recycling system reduces usage by 20% compared with older hubs.

Passenger experiences that make the airport unforgettable

Travelers consistently mention three standout experiences:

• Night‑time light tunnel. A 180‑metre corridor illuminated with LED patterns that mimic the desert night sky.
• Free yoga studio. Open 24/7, it offers a peaceful spot for long‑haul flyers to stretch before a flight.
• Gourmet food court. Featuring a Michelin‑starred chef’s pop‑up stall, the food court blends local Qatari flavors with international cuisine.

These amenities, combined with a staff rated 4.8/5 for friendliness, create a holistic travel environment that feels more like a destination than a transit point.

Quick checklist for making the most of a Hamad layover

• Check the real‑time art‑walk map on the airport app.
• Reserve a spot in the yoga studio via the free “Wellness” portal.
• Grab a “Qatari brunch” at the food court before heading to your gate.
• If you have a business or first‑class ticket, book Al Mourjan lounge access in advance.
• Take a 10‑minute walk to the runway viewpoint for photo opportunities.