Clark International Airport among world’s most beautiful airports in 2023

Clark International Airport (CRK) was named as one of the world’s most beautiful airports in 2023, as it earned the prestigious Prix Versailles, the World Architecture and Design Award of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

CRK, located at Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga, drew inspiration from the mountains of Luzon, specifically Mt. Arayat and the mountains of Zambales.

It has high ceilings with large wooden beams. The designers of the airport incorporated cultural symbols in the terminal like the kaleidoscopes of the Christmas lanterns of Pampanga.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the inclusion of CRK in the list.  “This accolade not only reflects the aesthetic grandeur of the Clark International Airport but also showcases the Philippines as a destination that values both function and beauty in its infrastructure. We are excited to continue welcoming travelers from around the world to experience the beauty of CRK and the Philippines,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The World’s Most Beautiful Achievements recognition granted by the Prix Versailles “highlights the primary role of the Laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment.”

Twenty-three other airports are part of the 9th edition of the list that also includes the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Chile, Beijing Daxing International Airport in China, Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in China, Eagle County Regional Airport in the United States, Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Greece, General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport in Mexico, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland, and Kempegowda International Airport in India, among others.

This year’s selection rounded up 24 airports across the globe, with the Clark International Airport as the lone recipient from Southeast Asia. The Prix Versailles highlights the laureates’ role of “beautifying and improving the living environment.” The awarded airports are recognized as “signs of exceptional architecture and design.”

CRK can serve up to 8 million passengers annually.   It services international flights to Hongkong, Bangkok and Singapore as well as domestic routes to major tourist destinations like Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa and Busuanga, (Palawan), Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos and Cagayan de Oro.