These Are Some Of The World’s Most Impressive Airports

You’ll never want to leave!

The Summer holidays are upon us and while the United Kingdom might be facing a heatwave, it seems many people are skipping the staycation and going somewhere abroad. It’s estimated that 49% of us will be heading overseas in 2026. 

Usually, the worst part of any holiday is being stuck at the airport. However, if you find yourself at any of these incredibly constructed airports this year, you might just end up wanting to stay. Not only are they structurally impressive, but they boast the infrastructure to match. 

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

Back in 2020, Tokyo Haneda Airport was named the second best. There's a good reason for that. Officially opening back in 1931, there’s been constant support and improvements at the facility, with new restaurants, an airport garden and an Edo-style street with wooden architecture all featured. 

With a new terminal opening this year and a ¥280 billion rail line introduced by 2031, it seems Japan has not finished improving upon this masterpiece. The cutting-edge design of the terminals, accompanied by those more traditional elements, reflects nearly a century of constant construction. 

Portland International Airport (PDX)

It was back in 1940 that the Portland airport began operation, but from 2020 to 2025, a major refurbishment scheme took place. The United States airport was given $2.15 billion to complete the renovations, and there are plans to continue those expansions. 

The airport has an impressive timber roof, built to withstand intense earthquakes. Constructed from 3.3 million board feet of sustainably sourced local timber, it’s a sight to behold. The airport is also packed with thousands of live plants, bringing the forest inside.

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

The Singapore Changi Airport is consistently ranked as the best in the world. Head on over to social media, and there will be no shortage of influencers exploring the vast 24 square kilometre space. With construction starting back in 1975, the airport eventually opened almost 6 years later. It is estimated that the first phase of that build alone cost S$1.3 billion. 

The airport is not only celebrated for its ‘city in a garden’ concept with its luscious greenery, free-flying birds and butterflies and nature exhibitions, but also for its rooftop swimming pool and multimedia entertainment facilities. Terminal 5 will soon be built, with another S$13 billion budgeted for its construction. 

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)

For Europeans, it is the Madrid-Barajas Airport that many might turn to as the most impressive structure. Initially built in 1931, the terminal has seen expansions as recently as 2006. That addition alone took €1.24 billion to construct, with their latest plans potentially exceeding €4.5 billion. 

The Madrid-Barajas Airport is architecturally rich with wavy bamboo ceilings, a stress-reducing layout and a keen focus on natural lighting. Featuring premium lounges and a clever guidance system to make travelling around that much easier, this is an airport constructed with purpose. 

The work that went into building these impressive designs demonstrates just how important tradies are in creating the perfect beginning to any holiday.