Traveling is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Here at HAP, we love all things travel — as you know — so we’ve rounded up a few of the world’s coolest airports that make the journey worthwhile.
Jewel Changi Airport (SIN) – (Singapore)
If there is any airport we could pick to have a layover in, it would be at the design-centric Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. Enclosed in a pristine glass and steel dome, travelers have access to the luscious Shiseido Forest Valley featuring the world’s largest indoor waterfall — truly a mesmerizing sight to see. Expect more than just airplane passengers passing by due to the fact that this airport doubles as a mall replete with retail shopping (think Coach, Desigual, and Hugo Boss) and plentiful dining options.
Zurich International Airport (ZRH) – (Zurich, Switzerland)
Voted Europe’s best airport for 18 consecutive years, it’s no wonder as to how the Zurich International Airport has won the prestigious World Travel Award year-after-year. The airport boasts a number of sustainable shops and restaurants: one is the world’s first community-led brand that co-creates sleek, lifestyle bamboo products called TBô; another is a health and wellness beauty center called Ceremony that produces all of their cosmetics by hand at the store. Leading the air travel world in sustainable construction methodology, plans to redesign Dock A are set to start in 2030 and include a space framework made of solid timber as well as wide open spaces for passengers.
Narita International Airport (NRT) – (Tokyo, Japan)
Japanese creative company, PARTY, experimented with airport interiors at Tokyo’s Narita International AirportTerminal 3, going against the typical illuminated signs and moving walkways commonly found within transit hubs. Tourists walking to their departure flight follow sky-blue running track lanes, designed to signify flying high in the sky. Those arriving proceed to exit via classic red running track lanes. Creatives Nikken Sekkei and Ryon Keikaku co-designed the minimalistic space to have black and white tarpaulin sheets for navigation signs and plush dark blue couches.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) – (Doha, Qatar)
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar helms a dramatic, wave-like building exterior paying homage to the ocean and sand dune landscapes found in the country’s capital. Inside the airport, transients will find palm trees and large artwork, including the Untitled Lamp Bear installation by Swiss artist Urs Fischer taking center stage in the main terminal. A medley of amenities such as, a state-of-the-art wellness center with a hydrotherapy tub and squash courts, plus quiet rooms for naps are available.
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) – (Madrid, Spain)
Ranking as Europe’s second largest airport, Madrid-Barajas Airport takes number one when it comes to having the largest bamboo reference project in the world, seeing its resident Terminal 4 building’s ceiling constructed with only bamboo materials. The urban-designed, wavy roof flows throughout the building’s interior and produces a bright, spacious environment for travelers.
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