Airports worldwide invited to apply for the 2026 ACI World Airport Innovation Awards

Global call highlights bold ideas transforming passenger experience, operations, and sustainability

Montreal, 31 March 2026 - Airports Council International (ACI) World has opened submissions for the 2026 ACI World Airport Innovation Awards, inviting airports to showcase the ideas and leadership shaping the future of the airport industry.

Now in its sixth year, the awards are presented under a renewed title and continue to highlight the increasingly vital role that innovation plays in advancing the global airport community.

As airports respond to growing demand and evolving passenger expectations, innovation is essential to improving performance, increasing capacity, strengthening resilience, and delivering value for passengers and stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem.

ACI World airport members are invited to submit entries across four categories:

• Best innovation in airport passenger-related processes
• Best innovation in airport operations and installations management
• Best airport innovation leader (individual)
• Best innovation: Airport on the rise (5 million passengers or less annually)

ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: "Innovation drives progress across the airport industry by turning ideas into practical solutions that deliver real results. Airports worldwide are improving the passenger experience, increasing capacity and operational efficiency, and advancing sustainability. The ACI World Airport Innovation Awards recognize the leadership and initiatives making a measurable difference."

The Awards invite projects and leadership initiatives that enhance passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and optimize airport processes for passengers, employees, and aviation stakeholders. Submissions will be evaluated based on their impact, scalability, and contribution to the advancement of the industry.

Submissions are open until 16 June 2026 and will be reviewed by an international panel of industry experts.

Winners, as well as the top five finalists in each category, will be announced during the Awards Ceremony at the ACI Airports Innovate event, taking place from 23 to 25 November 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. The winners will be exclusively invited to present their innovation in a dedicated session at the conference. This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of innovation and be part of shaping the aviation ecosystem. Airports Innovate is jointly organized by ACI EUROPE, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, and ACI World.

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world's airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2025, ACI serves 830 members, operating 2,181 airports in 170 countries.

Editor notes

1. Learn more about the 2026 ACI World Airport Innovation Awards.
2. Learn more about the ACI Airports Innovate event.