ACI Europe Celebrates The Future Of Aviation With The 2025 Best Airport Awards, Recognizing European Airports Leading In Sustainability, Digital Transformation, And Operational Excellence: Here’s All You Need to Know

ACI Europe Best Airport Awards were presented at the Gala Dinner during the 35th ACI Europe Annual Congress and General Assembly, held in Athens, Greece. This prestigious event, hosted by Athens International Airport, honored Europe’s top airports for their exceptional contributions to the aviation industry.

These awards recognize airports of all sizes, from major international hubs to smaller, regional airports, that have made a significant impact across various facets of the industry. In 2024, passenger traffic exceeded pre-pandemic levels, and growth is expected to continue in 2025. However, with this growth come challenges in areas such as operations, sustainability, passenger experience, security, financial resilience, and staff well-being. The 2025 awards theme, “The Challenges of Growth,” highlights airports that have risen to meet these demands with innovation and resilience.

Along with the prestigious Best Airport Award, four additional specialized awards were presented: the Digital Transformation Award, Eco-Innovation Award, HR Excellence Award, and World Business Partner Recognition.

Award for Exceptional Resilience – Ukrainian Airports

ACI Europe honored Ukrainian airports with the Award for Outstanding Resilience in a heartfelt tribute. This surprise recognition acknowledged the unwavering determination of these airports despite their ongoing struggles. With their airspace closed and no connectivity, Ukrainian airports have worked tirelessly to preserve critical infrastructure and maintain operational readiness while ensuring the safety and welfare of their staff amidst the war. The award underscores the extraordinary challenges faced by Ukrainian airports and the steadfast commitment they have shown in the face of adversity.

Digital Transformation Award – Munich Airport

The Digital Transformation Award, a collaboration between SESAR Joint Undertaking and ACI Europe, honors airports that have effectively embraced digital technologies to improve safety, capacity, operational efficiency, and environmental performance. This year’s winner, Munich Airport, stood out for its innovative use of service robots and artificial intelligence (AI) in turnaround management. These technologies have significantly enhanced the passenger experience and optimized airport operations. Munich’s strategic digital transformation has positioned the airport as a leader in the digital aviation space, with Athens International Airport receiving special commendation in this category.

Eco-Innovation Award – Maastricht-Aachen Airport

The Eco-Innovation Award recognizes airports for their exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability. Maastricht-Aachen Airport was recognized for its groundbreaking Electrifly project, which offers a fully electric, door-to-door international travel experience. The project impressed the jury with its innovative approach to zero-emission air travel and its collaboration with a range of stakeholders. Maastricht-Aachen’s work in this area serves as a model for other airports looking to reduce their environmental impact and advance sustainable, multimodal transportation.

HR Excellence Award – Lyon Airport

Lyon Airport won the HR Excellence Award for its exceptional initiatives in human resources management. The airport’s HR department focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with a comprehensive plan to track and improve its DEI policies. Lyon’s dedication to creating a truly inclusive workplace culture was applauded by the judges, who recognized the airport’s leadership in shaping the future of its workforce through innovative programs that emphasize equity and inclusion.

World Business Partner Award – Ella Soltani, TO70 Aviation

The World Business Partner Award honors individuals or companies that have made significant contributions to the airport industry. Ella Soltani of TO70 Aviation was recognized for her extensive involvement in various ACI Europe initiatives. Soltani played a key role in the Environmental Strategy Committee and the Stargate Project, where she led important discussions on sustainability. Her active participation in industry events and her deep technical expertise have made her a standout figure in the sector, and her energy and dedication were key factors in earning this prestigious recognition.

Under 5 Million Passengers Category – Cork Airport

Cork Airport claimed the top prize in the Under 5 Million Passengers category, thanks to its impressive year-over-year growth of 10% and its strong focus on sustainability. The airport was recognized for its outstanding environmental performance, including being named the best-performing semi-state body in Ireland for carbon reduction for two consecutive years. Cork Airport’s efficient operations and commitment to enhancing passenger service were also key factors in its success. Tallinn Airport was also highly commended in this category.

5-10 Million Passengers Category – Vasil Levski Sofia Airport

Vasil Levski Sofia Airport triumphed in the 5-10 Million Passengers category, lauded for its visionary transformation strategy, which emphasizes workforce development and strengthening community ties. The airport is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2036, and its commitment to sustainability played a key role in securing the award. Larnaka International Airport also received commendation for its ongoing progress in this area.

10-25 Million Passengers Category – Hamburg Airport

Hamburg Airport took top honors in the 10-25 million passengers category, recognized for its commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort. The airport is working toward becoming Germany’s first CO₂-free metropolitan airport, powered by its own wind farm and green district heating. Hamburg’s successful expansion of routes and airlines, alongside its sustainable initiatives, made it a deserving winner. Milano Linate Airport also received significant praise in this category.

25-40 Million Passengers Category – Athens International Airport

Athens International Airport emerged as the winner in the 25-40 million passengers category. The airport was praised for its proactive approach to overcoming challenges, including addressing seasonality and promoting destinations through collaborations with key aviation and tourism stakeholders. Athens has consistently driven improvements and innovation, earning it recognition as a top performer in this highly competitive category.

Over 40 Million Passengers – Rome Fiumicino Airport

Rome Fiumicino Airport was once again recognized for its continued excellence in the Over 40 Million Passengers category. The airport was particularly commended for its environmental efforts, including the launch of Europe’s largest self-consumption solar farm, which generates 30 GWh annually and reduces CO2 emissions by over 11,000 tons. Its data-driven approach to management and its collaborative efforts with stakeholders were key factors in earning this prestigious award.

In conclusion, the 2025 ACI Europe Best Airport Awards highlighted the exceptional achievements of airports across Europe, recognizing their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and resilience. These airports not only lead in their respective categories but also set new standards for the aviation industry’s future.