Ireland's aviation community has until 21 August to submit entries for the Aviation Industry Awards 2026, with the deadline now days away for organisations seeking national recognition for excellence across the aviation industry.

Launched in 2014, the Aviation Industry Awards are the benchmark for best practice and aviation innovation in Ireland, covering the full scope of the sector from commercial aviation and airport operations to aircraft maintenance engineering, aviation technology, aircraft leasing and workforce development. Organisations are encouraged to finalise and submit their entries ahead of the closing date.

The 2026 programme spans 25 categories recognising achievement across aviation operations management, operational excellence and technological advancement. Categories range from Aviation Company of the Year, Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance Award and Airport Achievement Award to Aviation Innovation Award, Best Use of Technology and Best Emerging Aviation Technology.

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.

Entries are assessed by an independent judging panel of aviation professionals bound by strict confidentiality agreements. The 2026 panel includes Adam Bouchard, Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority; John Drysdale, Director of Annadale Aviation; Samantha Harding, founder of the SILC conference for aviation services; Dr Kyriakos Kourousis, Associate Professor in Engineering at the University of Limerick; and Michael Treacy, Senior Programme Manager at Enterprise Ireland's Research and Innovation Division.

The programme is supported by gold sponsors Aviation Skillnet and Leasepoint, supporter Amárach Research and communications partner The Irish Times.

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

Finalists will be announced on 29 October, ahead of the awards gala on 3 December 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin Airport.

Organisations ready to submit can enter 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.