Aviation Industry Awards 2026 now accepting entries

Ireland's aviation community is invited to enter the Aviation Industry Awards 2026, with submissions open and the deadline set for 21 August.

Launched in 2014, the awards are the benchmark for excellence in Ireland's aviation sector, recognising best practice and innovation across commercial airlines, airports, maintenance, safety, leasing and workforce development. Entries opened on 9 June, with organisations now encouraged to register and submit ahead of the August closing date.

Finalists will be announced on 2 October, before the awards gala takes place on 3 December 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin Airport. The ceremony brings together hundreds of senior executives from across the Irish aviation community, providing a platform to connect with the sector's most influential figures and leading talent.

Entry is free, with submissions assessed by an independent judging panel of aviation professionals bound by strict confidentiality agreements and conflict of interest declarations. Winners take home a prestigious accolade and post-awards media coverage.

The programme is supported by Gold Sponsors Aviation Skillnet, a non-profit dedicated to building expertise and competitiveness across the aviation sector, and Leasepoint, a global leader in aircraft lease management software trusted by over half of the world's top 20 lessors. Amárach Research serves as a Supporter, while The Irish Times is a Communications Partner.

Among the standout recipients at the 2025 ceremony were Limerick Flying Club, named Aviation Company of the Year, Manna Air Delivery, which took both the Aviation Innovation Award and Best Use of Technology Award, and Aer Lingus, recognised for Excellence in People and Workplace Culture. The Shannon Airport Group claimed Operational Excellence in Aviation, while daa received the Green Impact Award.

The 2026 programme spans 25 categories covering the full breadth of the sector, from Aviation Company of the Year and Aircraft Leasing Company of the Year to Aviation Innovation Award, Best Use of Technology and Green Impact Award. People and culture categories include Women in Aviation, Aviation Rising Star, Best Place to Work in Aviation, People Development Award and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy of the Year, among others.

Companies and individuals ready to enter can register at the official entry page. Visit the official Aviation Industry Awards website to explore past winners, review category details, and subscribe to the newsletter for insights and event updates.