The deadline for entries to the Aviation Industry Awards 2026 has been extended to 28 August, giving Ireland's aviation community additional time to submit nominations across 25 categories recognising excellence throughout the aviation industry.

Launched in 2014, the Aviation Industry Awards are the benchmark for best practice and aviation innovation in Ireland, celebrating outstanding achievement across commercial aviation, airport operations, aircraft maintenance engineering, aviation technology, aircraft leasing and workforce development.

The 2026 programme spans categories covering the full breadth of aviation operations management and operational excellence, 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 including Adam Bouchard of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, John Drysdale of Annadale Aviation, Samantha Harding of SILC, Dr Kyriakos Kourousis of the University of Limerick and Michael Treacy of 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.

Looking back at the 2025 ceremony, some of the winners who stood out 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.