ACI World Launches Sixth Annual Innovation Awards to Recognize Leadership and Progress in Airport Operations
(IN SHORT) ACI World has opened submissions for the 2026 Airport Innovation Awards, inviting airports to showcase initiatives that improve passenger experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Now in its sixth year, the awards recognize impactful and scalable innovations across four categories. Entries will be reviewed by industry experts, with winners announced at the Airports Innovate event in Barcelona in November 2026. The initiative highlights the increasing importance of innovation in meeting growing demand and transforming the global airport industry.
(PRESS RELEASE) MONTRĒAL, Quēbec, Canada, 2026-Mar-31 — /Travel PR News/ — Airports Council International (ACI) World has opened submissions for the 2026 ACI World Airport Innovation Awards, inviting airports worldwide to present initiatives that are shaping the future of the aviation sector.
Now in its sixth edition, the awards continue to emphasize the growing importance of innovation in addressing the challenges faced by airports globally, including rising passenger demand, evolving customer expectations, and the need for greater operational efficiency and sustainability.
ACI World is encouraging its member airports to submit entries across four key categories: innovation in passenger-related processes, innovation in operations and infrastructure management, innovation leadership at the individual level, and emerging innovation from smaller airports handling up to five million passengers annually.
Director General Justin Erbacci highlighted that innovation is a critical driver of progress in the aviation industry. He noted that airports are increasingly adopting practical solutions to enhance passenger experience, optimize operations, and improve sustainability outcomes, and that the awards aim to recognize initiatives delivering measurable impact.
Submissions will be assessed by an international panel of industry experts, with evaluation criteria including effectiveness, scalability, and overall contribution to the advancement of the airport sector.
The deadline for entries is 16 June 2026. Winners and top finalists will be announced during the awards ceremony at the ACI Airports Innovate event, scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 November 2026 in Barcelona. Selected winners will also have the opportunity to present their innovations during dedicated sessions at the conference.
The Airports Innovate event, jointly organized by ACI World, ACI EUROPE, and ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, serves as a key platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies, and collaborate on shaping the future of global aviation.
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.
Media contacts
Sabrina Guerrieri
Director, Communications
ACI World
Telephone : +1 514 373 1254
Email : mediarelations@aci.aero
SOURCE: ACI World
