Two Indian airports got global kudos, after a thing or two happened with the Adani Group. Basically, international recognition was given when Navi Mumbai International Airport and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport were added to the Prix Versailles list, of the world’s most beautiful airports.

They are Navi Mumbai International Airport (Terminal 1) and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Terminal 2) in Guwahati.  

About Prix Versailles  

Prix Versailles is a global award initiative that, honors excellence in architecture and design. The awards are held every year at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, so yes it’s quite a big stage.

When they pick the winners, they look at architecture, innovation, sustainability, cultural identity and passenger experience too.

Navi Mumbai Airport gets a Lotus kind of idea  

Navi Mumbai International Airport was recognized for its special design, it’s inspired by the lotus flower. The whole concept was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, which is one of those internationally known architectural firms.

The design brings together modern infrastructure, with a very distinct visual identity, so it doesn’t feel generic at all.

Guwahati Airport shows Northeast India roots  

Then there’s Guwahati’s Terminal 2 which was selected as well for the prestigious list. This terminal draws inspiration from the bamboo orchid.

Architect Nuru Karim designed it, and through its architectural features it seems to underline biodiversity, culture and traditions of Northeast India, in a more readable way.

Other airports named in the same list  

The other airports included in the Prix Versailles list are:

• Guangzhou Airport, China.  
• Frankfurt Airport, Germany.  
• Kandal Stung Airport, Cambodia.  
• Pittsburgh International Airport, United States.  
• San Diego International Airport, United States.

Final Awards to Be Announced Later This Year

Near the end of the year, Prix Versailles will do what it does, it will announce it’s Global Titles. Three, of the seven airports already shortlisted will get top honors kinda across the board—architecture, interior design, and exterior design, all together in those categories.

Why This Recognition Matters

The fact that Navi Mumbai and Guwahati airports are included, shows that India’s aviation infrastructure is getting seen more around the world. It also points to how much more focus there is on sustainable design, on cultural reflection, and on better passenger experiences in airport development.