The 2026 Airport Business Projects of the Year Program Is Now Open
The aviation industry is in the midst of one of its most transformative eras. From terminal modernization and gate expansion to airfield resiliency, sustainability, and passenger-experience upgrades, airport leaders and their partners are delivering projects that will shape the next generation of aviation infrastructure.
Now is the time to put those achievements on the national stage. The 2026 Airport Business Projects of the Year program is officially open for submissions, and we’re inviting airports, consultants, engineers, architects, and construction teams across North America to enter their standout work.
Why Participate?
For more than two decades, the Projects of the Year program has recognized the best examples of airport development and innovation. Winning projects gain:
- High-visibility editorial coverage in Airport Business
- Recognition across the aviation community, including airport executives, consultants, and industry partners
- A platform to highlight your team’s leadership, collaboration, and measurable results
- Validation of project performance, design excellence, operational improvement, or community impact
Whether your project improved a concourse, expanded capacity, strengthened airfield efficiency, advanced sustainability, enhanced safety, or transformed the passenger experience, this program exists to spotlight the work that moves aviation forward.
The judging criteria emphasize innovation, measurable impact, design and engineering execution, efficiency, safety enhancement, sustainability, and overall benefit to the airport and its users.
Tips for a Strong Nomination
If you’re considering entering—or planning multiple submissions—these strategies will help your project stand out.
Show measurable outcomes
Judges respond strongly to data. Include metrics such as:
- Passenger throughput increases
- Reduced delays or faster turn times
- Energy savings/sustainability impact
- Cost efficiency or lifecycle improvements
- Construction milestones achieved ahead of schedule
Even qualitative improvements—like improved wayfinding or community satisfaction—carry weight when clearly demonstrated.
Tell the project’s story
Explain why the project mattered. What problem did it solve? How does it support airport growth, resiliency, or modernization? Why was it essential for your airport’s future?
A compelling narrative strengthens even highly technical submissions.
Highlight collaboration
Great airport projects are team sport achievements. Showcase the collective effort between:
- Airport leadership
- Consultants and design firms
- Contractors and trade partners
- State or federal stakeholders
- Airlines or tenant partners
Collaboration is often a deciding factor among top entries.
Demonstrate innovation or best practices
Did the project introduce a new design approach, technology solution, construction method, sustainability practice, or operational improvement? Spell it out—judges want forward-thinking work.
Use visuals effectively
Strong photos, plans, and before-and-after images can elevate a nomination dramatically. Choose images that illustrate scale, complexity, passenger experience improvements, or unique design elements.