INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REVIEW's 2023 awards


International Airport Review is pleased to announce the re-launch of the highly anticipated awards and dinner – the Airport Honour Awards taking place on the first night of our flagship event, International Airport Summit 2023 on Tuesday 14 November at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington. 

The Airport Honour Awards will bring together our industry leaders,  innovators, and decision-makers to recognise airports that: go above and beyond delivering a first-class passenger experience; are implementing cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking policies; are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all passengers and are leading the way in sustainable aviation. 

Award Categories

The Airport Experience Award (Sponsored by Hormann Klatt Conveyors)

The Airport Experience Awards seeks to recognise those airports who acknowledge that providing a good experience for their workforce is the first step to unlocking a good passenger experience. Shortlisted applicants will have demonstrated that they have gone above and beyond to create a world-class airport experience for both passengers and employees through providing state-of-the-art facilities, implementing innovative technology, running imaginative initiatives and offering a range of amenities. The winner of this award is one that provides a seamless and enjoyable airport experience for all end-users. Apply now if your airport is setting the standard for excellent experiences.  

  • How well do the airport staff engage with passengers, provide assistance and handle enquiries? 
  • How imaginative and innovative are the passenger and employee initiatives on offer? 
  • How seamless and stress-free is the traveller journey through the airport? 
  • How well does the airport integrate technology and innovation to improve the passenger experience?

The Sustainable Airport Award (Sponsored by Thales)

The Sustainable Airport Award acknowledges airports that prioritise sustainability in their operations, facilities, and services. This award recognises airports that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint by implementing sustainable practices, conserving natural resources, and minimising waste. Winners of this award demonstrate a commitment to reducing their carbon emissions and implementing green policies that benefit the local community and the planet. Apply now if your airport is leading in sustainable aviation, and creating a more eco-friendly and responsible industry. 

  • How does the airport prioritise energy efficiency, such as the use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient lighting, and HVAC systems?
  • How does the airport promote sustainable transportation, such as public transit, electric vehicle charging stations, bike parking, and carpooling?
  • How does the airport reduce waste, such as through recycling and composting programmes, reducing single-use plastics, and minimising food waste?
  • How does the airport engage with the local community to promote sustainable practices, such as education and outreach programmes, partnerships with local organisations, and promoting sustainable tourism?
  • How does the airport measure and report its environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation, and what steps has it taken to reduce its overall impact?

The Airport Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award 

The Airport Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises airports that acknowledge they must attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce in order to leverage the very best skill set and knowledge from their surrounding communities and to remain resilient for the future. This award celebrates airports that have implemented inclusive policies and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other aspects of their identity. Winners of this award are committed to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive environment that reflects the needs and values of the local community and the travelling public. Apply now if your airport is a leader in promoting diversity and equality in the aviation industry. 

  • How well does the airport prioritise diversity and inclusion in its policies, such as recruitment, training, promotion, and employee benefits?
  • How does the airport engage with the local community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as through partnerships, education programmes, and outreach events?
  • How does the airport support diversity and inclusion in its supply chain, such as by working with minority-owned or women-owned businesses?
  • How does the airport engage with its employees to promote diversity and inclusion, such as through employee resource groups, diversity training, and mentorship programmes?
  • How does the airport create an inclusive environment for all employees and passengers, such as through accessible facilities, diverse artwork and programming, and inclusive language in communications and signage? 

The Accessible Airport Award

The Accessible Airport Award celebrates airports that are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all passengers, no matter their needs. This award recognises airports that have implemented accessible facilities, services, and programmes to ensure that all passengers have equal access to air travel. The winner of this award has demonstrated a commitment to promoting accessibility and has taken meaningful steps to accommodate the needs of passengers who require additional support. Apply now if your airport has gone above and beyond to promote accessibility and set an example for the aviation industry as a whole.

  • How well does the airport ensure that all facilities are accessible to passengers with disabilities, including parking, terminals, restrooms, and seating areas?
  • How does the airport provide accessible communication and information to passengers with disabilities, such as through braille signage, audio announcements, and accessible websites?
  • How well does the airport train staff to assist passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance, service animal support, and other special accommodations?
  • How does the airport gather and respond to feedback from passengers with disabilities, and how well does it engage with disability advocacy groups and organisations to improve accessibility and inclusivity?
  • How does the airport demonstrate innovation in promoting accessibility, such as through the use of assistive technology, universal design principles, or unique accessibility features?

The Airport Innovation Award (Sponsored by Copenhagen Optimization)

The Airport Innovation Award celebrates airports that have shown exceptional innovation and creativity in enhancing the passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainability. This award recognises airports that have implemented cutting-edge technologies, forward-thinking policies, and novel approaches to address the challenges facing the airport sector. The winner of this award will have demonstrated a commitment to driving innovation and are leading the way in transforming the airport experience. Apply now if your airport is at the forefront of innovation and helping to shape the future of the airport community.

  • How has the airport leveraged technology to enhance the passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainability, such as through the use of AI, biometrics, smart infrastructure, etc?
  • How has the airport collaborated with other industry stakeholders, such as airlines, vendors, or government agencies, to drive innovation and solve common challenges facing the aviation industry?
  • How has the airport demonstrated creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in implementing innovative solutions, such as through unique partnerships, unconventional approaches, or novel business models?
  • How has the airport’s innovation impacted the aviation industry and society at large, and how scalable is the innovation to other airports and regions?
  • How has the airport’s innovation enhanced the passenger experience, such as through improved convenience, comfort, safety, or accessibility, and how well does it align with passenger needs and expectations?