ACI EUROPE has announced the winners of its 2026 Best Airport Awards, recognising airports that have demonstrated excellence in operations, sustainability, innovation and passenger experience across the continent.
Europe’s leading airports were recognised for outstanding achievements in innovation, sustainability and operational excellence during the ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards 2026, held as part of the organisation’s Annual Congress and General Assembly in Prague.
The awards celebrate airports that have delivered exceptional performance across operational efficiency, service quality and environmental, social and governance initiatives, reflecting the changing priorities of the aviation industry.
Innovation and digital transformation recognised
Among the category winners was Helsinki Airport (HEL), which secured the Digital Transformation Award for its advanced digital platform designed to improve operational efficiency, resilience and situational awareness.
The judges praised the airport’s highly integrated approach to digitalisation, noting that the platform has already been expanded across 20 airports, helping improve operational coordination on a wider network level.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) received a highly commended recognition in the same category.
The Eco-Innovation Award was presented to Stuttgart Airport (STR) for its commitment to sustainable operations and significant progress towards carbon-neutral apron activities. Judges highlighted the airport’s pioneering approach and a project that achieved a 97.6% reduction in apron fleet carbon emissions.
Airports recognised for workforce and industry leadership
Vasil Levski Sofia Airport (SOF) received the HR Excellence Award for its innovative use of artificial intelligence to enhance workforce development and improve employee experience.
The airport was recognised for successfully combining technology and human-centred initiatives to support future workforce requirements and organisational development.
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) was highly commended in the category.
The World Business Partner Recognition Award was presented to Dr. Holger Schulz of airsight GmbH for his long-standing contribution to the aviation industry and involvement with ACI EUROPE, ACI World and ICAO over more than two decades.
Best airports across Europe honoured
In the airport categories, Wrocław Airport (WRO) won the award for airports handling fewer than five million passengers annually. Judges highlighted record passenger growth, operational innovation and a distinctive environmental programme that included a bee and honey apiary project.
Riga International Airport (RIX) secured the award in the five to 10 million passenger category after impressing judges with its investment in technology, operational systems and long-term strategic planning.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) was named best airport in the 10 to 25 million passenger category. The airport was recognised for using preparations linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a catalyst for lasting operational, passenger experience and sustainability improvements.
Major hubs continue to raise standards
Vienna International Airport (VIE) claimed the award in the 25 to 40 million passenger category. Judges praised its use of data-driven decision-making, artificial intelligence and operational innovation to enhance passenger satisfaction and airport performance.
In the largest category, Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) continued its remarkable success by once again winning the award for airports handling more than 40 million passengers annually.
The airport was recognised for its continued focus on innovation, predictive technologies and passenger-centred operations. Judges described Rome Fiumicino as an airport that consistently pushes the boundaries of performance while maintaining exceptional service standards.
The awards highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation, sustainability and operational excellence as European airports continue to adapt to changing passenger expectations and industry challenges.
No comments yet