Readers voted for the best airlines and airports around the world and in the U.S. for the 2026 awards.
The recognized airline and airport partners below span two continents and share a focus on intuitive traveler journeys, thoughtful amenities and a strong sense of place.
Best U.S. Airlines
Delta Air Lines (#1)
HOK designed the Delta Sky Club in Salt Lake City International Airport’s Concourse B. As one of the largest Delta Sky Clubs, it offers a unique experience for up to 600 travelers, helping them connect with Utah’s natural beauty ahead of their flight.
The Club features multiple lounges, a wraparound bar, dining areas and Delta’s first immersion lounge, a multisensory space showcasing Utah landscapes and landmarks. Colors, materials and furnishings reflect Utah, from cool blues and aluminum chains in the entrance evoking winter in Park City, to twinkling lights and rippled stainless steel ceilings paying homage to Utah’s caverns and the Great Salt Lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges, providing a relaxing traveler experience.
Alaska Airlines (#3)
HOK modernized Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s North Main Terminal serving Alaska Airlines. Completed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Alaska-led project relocated back-of-house offices and reclaimed underutilized curbside space to create a larger, double-height check-in hall. Glass walls draw natural light into the space, while wood-paneled finishes and public art create a welcoming environment. Upgraded building and lighting systems increase energy efficiency, and a new automated self-bag-drop technology enhances the traveler experience.
HOK also partnered with Alaska Airlines on its premium check-in experience at SEA (above), providing travelers with a more private and personalized departure process.
Best Airports in the World
Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar (#3)
HOK’s design creates a restorative travel experience for the millions of international passengers in Doha. The terminal’s curved architecture evokes the sand dunes and gentle waves of the Arabian Gulf. Inside, grand arches, glass walls and skylights flood the terminal with light and help travelers intuitively navigate the space.
Terminal amenities, including two five-star hotels, 270,000 square feet of duty-free shopping, more than 30 dining options, a gym, a swimming pool, public art and lounges, reflect Qatar’s hospitality and generosity. Subtle references to Qatari culture are woven into the interiors, from balustrades recalling Qatari sword holsters to flight displays, directories and self-check-in stations evoking oryx horns, the country’s national animal.
Hamad International Airport is frequently recognized by SkyTrax as one of the world’s best airports.
Best U.S. Airports:
Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Tampa, Florida (#3)
HOK updated TPA’s main terminal, moving retail, dining and shuttles to the facility’s perimeter and freeing 60,000 square feet of space for travelers on the third-floor transfer level. The project introduced 69 new concessions options, four outdoor terraces, expanded seating and work areas, public art and a family zone. Tampa’s lush greenery, beaches, bay and flora inspired the colors and materials found in the terminal, creating a strong sense of place.
TPA has also earned repeated recognition by Airports Council International for customer experience excellence.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York, New York (#5)
HOK led the design of LGA’s new Terminal B, one of the nation’s most high-profile airport projects. The departures and arrivals hall features 60-foot-high ceilings, expansive glass walls and curated public art. Pocket parks, retail and dining within the 35-gate terminal pay homage to New York’s iconic green spaces and local brands. Pedestrian bridges connect the headhouse to gates, allowing aircraft to taxi below and offering views of the New York skyline.
Terminal B has received additional recognition from Fast Company, TIME, Forbes Travel Guide, Airports Council International, the Urban Land Institute New York, the Chicago Athenaeum, the American Institute of Architects and the Design-Build Institute of America.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indianapolis, Indiana (#6)
HOK master planned and designed IND’s 40-gate Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal. It features a central civic plaza filled with art, dining and retail. A 200-ft. skylight draws daylight into the space, while a five-story glass wall overlooks downtown Indianapolis.
A leader in sustainable design, IND was the world’s first complete aviation campus to earn LEED certification.
IND has consistently ranked among the highest-performing airports globally in passenger satisfaction surveys and Airports Council International awards.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City, Utah (#7)
HOK designed the new, 94-gate SLC airport, replacing three aging terminals with a modern, sustainable hub that reflects Utah’s natural beauty. Post-security, “The Canyon” civic hall features local dining, shopping and art inspired by the state’s canyons, mountain peaks and waterways.
Other passenger-focused improvements include a parking garage twice the size of its predecessor with camera-based sensors and bag-check kiosks, expanded security lanes and an underground pedestrian tunnel connecting concourses.
SLC has also been recognized by Airports Council International for excellent customer experience.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in San Francisco, California (#9)
HOK designed the Courtyard 3 Connector at SFO, linking Terminals 2 and 3 both pre- and post-security and allowing travelers to move between the terminals after security for the first time. The connector houses the Kadish Gallery, which showcases exhibitions focused on California’s history and culture.
The LEED Gold-certified building is designed to be net zero ready. Dynamic glazing reduces glare and solar heat gain, improving passenger comfort while lowering energy use.
HOK designs airports, airport terminals, transit centers and other transportation environments that shape the passenger experience. Discover more on our Aviation + Transportation practice page.