Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has been included in the 2026 Prix Versailles list of the World’s Most Beautiful Airports, placing its recently opened terminal alongside six other airport projects recognised for architecture, design and passenger experience.
The annual awards programme, organised by Prix Versailles in association with UNESCO, selected Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal as one of seven airport facilities highlighted this year.
Opened in November 2025, the new terminal forms part of a 1.7 billion USD modernisation programme at Pittsburgh International Airport. The 811,000-square-foot facility was designed by Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects.
In its selection, Prix Versailles acknowledged that the terminal’s sweeping roofline draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, while its design incorporates natural elements intended to connect indoor and outdoor environments. The building features 38 steel columns designed to resemble trees, extensive glass walls allowing natural daylight into the terminal, and outdoor terraces that will provide passengers with access to fresh air.
The organisation also cited the airport’s energy-efficiency measures, reduced walking distances for passengers and accessibility-focused features as factors in its selection.
Christina Cassotis, chief executive of Pittsburgh International Airport, said:Being named to the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports List is an extraordinary honour and a testament to the vision, talent and determination of everyone who helped bring our new terminal to life. This terminal was built by Pittsburghers, for Pittsburgh. It showcases our region’s innovation, craftsmanship and hospitality while creating an airport experience that reflects the character and pride of our community.
The airport’s design incorporates references to western Pennsylvania, including artwork by local artists and a pedestrian tunnel inspired by Pittsburgh’s Fort Pitt Tunnel. The terminal was developed with a focus on sustainability and passenger comfort while serving as a new gateway to the region.
Other airports included on the 2026 Prix Versailles list are Terminal 3 at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, Terminal 2 at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in India, Terminal 1 at Navi Mumbai International Airport in India, Techo International Airport in Cambodia and Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport in the United States.
Stay tuned for information on these airports.
