This award recognises engineering or construction initiatives that have raised the bar for sustainability, through innovative design, efficient construction methods or low-carbon technologies. Judges will be looking for measurable impact and evidence that sustainability was embedded from concept to delivery.

It is open to airport-related projects, programmes or initiatives completed within the last five years or currently in development.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Measurable carbon reduction and alignment with net-zero goals
• Innovative use of sustainable materials, technologies or construction methods
• Improvements in energy efficiency and resource management
• Contribution to biodiversity, habitat protection and wider environmental stewardship
• Sustainability integrated through design, engineering and construction
• Collaboration across the supply chain to deliver sustainable outcomes
• Case studies or data showing tangible performance results
• Commitment to social value, community engagement and long-term legacy

This award celebrates the most impactful physical technology for airport infrastructure: hardware, equipment, plant, systems and materials. Technology is transforming how airports and aviation infrastructure are designed, delivered and operated. Judges will be looking for technologies that have been successfully deployed to solve critical challenges, unlock new capabilities or create significant operational and commercial benefits.

It is open to technology providers, manufacturers, consultants, contractors and airport operators. Eligible products must have been deployed within the last five years or be currently in development.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• A clear explanation of the technology and its application to airport infrastructure
• Innovation in addressing a sector-specific challenge
• Measurable benefits such as improved safety, efficiency, cost savings or resilience
• Impact on passenger experience and operational performance
• Contribution to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction
• Successful integration with existing airport systems, processes or assets
• Collaboration between supplier, client and stakeholders in delivery
• Case studies or performance data showing proven results and long-term potential

Airports face complex challenges that demand new thinking in design, construction and operation. This award recognises engineering-led innovation that has delivered a step change in how airport projects are conceived or delivered, whether through structural ingenuity or smarter construction methods.

It is open to engineering innovations applied within the last five years, or still in development with clear potential to transform airport infrastructure.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Originality and creativity in solving a defined problem
• Improvements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness or performance
• Contribution to the safety, reliability and resilience of airport infrastructure
• Use of data-led approaches to enhance delivery
• Tangible benefits resulting from the innovation
• Successful implementation on live or planned airport projects
• Potential for wider adoption across the aviation sector

Airports are major employers, regional anchors and catalysts for economic and social development. This award recognises projects, initiatives or organisations that have gone beyond core delivery to create meaningful, lasting benefits for local communities.

It is open to airport operators, contractors, consultants, suppliers and project teams with projects completed within the last five years or currently in development.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Clear social value objectives built into project or organisational strategy
• Positive impact on local communities, including jobs, skills, training and apprenticeships
• Initiatives that support inclusivity, accessibility and equal opportunities
• Engagement with community stakeholders and responsiveness to their needs
• Support for local businesses, SMEs and supply chain development
• Initiatives addressing wellbeing, health, safety or quality of life
• Case studies or data evidencing measurable, lasting community benefits
• Legacy outcomes that extend beyond the project lifecycle

Airports are complex operational environments where health, safety and risk management are critical. This award recognises organisations, projects or initiatives that have excelled at protecting people, assets and operations through leadership, systems and innovation.

It is open to airport operators, contractors, consultants, suppliers and project teams with projects or initiatives completed in the last five years or currently in progress.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• A strong safety culture embedded across teams and stakeholders
• Innovative approaches to risk management, hazard identification and mitigation
• Improvements in health and safety performance metrics
• Collaboration with clients, contractors and supply chain partners
• Use of digital tools, technology or data to improve safety and risk management
• Case studies of effective incident prevention or response
• Protecting workforce wellbeing and mental health alongside physical safety
• Long-term legacy and lessons learned with potential for wider adoption

This award celebrates the most impactful digital technology for airport infrastructure: software, digital twins, data platforms, AI and analytics. Technology is transforming how airports and aviation infrastructure are designed, delivered and operated. Judges will be looking for technologies that have been successfully deployed to solve critical challenges, unlock new capabilities or create significant operational and commercial benefits.

It is open to technology providers, consultants, contractors and airport operators. Eligible solutions must have been deployed within the last five years or be currently in development.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• A clear explanation of the technology and its application to airport infrastructure
• Innovation in addressing a sector-specific challenge
• Measurable benefits such as improved safety, efficiency, cost savings or resilience
• Impact on passenger experience and operational performance
• Contribution to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction
• Successful integration with existing airport systems, processes or assets
• Collaboration between supplier, client and stakeholders in delivery
• Case studies or performance data showing proven results and long-term potential

Successful airport projects are delivered through collaboration, shared purpose and a commitment to excellence. This award recognises the project team that has shown outstanding teamwork, integration and performance in delivering an airport scheme, and how individuals and organisations worked together to overcome challenges and deliver for clients, stakeholders and passengers.

This category is for multi-disciplinary teams working on airport projects with a value of up to £50m, completed in the last five years or currently in progress.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Strong collaboration and integration across disciplines and organisations
• Shared goals, values and collective problem-solving
• Major project challenges overcome through teamwork and innovation
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Measurable outcomes in cost, time, quality and scope
• Sustainability, safety and social value embedded in the team’s approach
• Testimonials demonstrating client and stakeholder satisfaction
• Legacy impact, including lessons learned and wider benefits to the sector

The future of aviation infrastructure relies on the next generation who bring fresh perspectives, innovative thinking and a commitment to excellence. This award recognises an individual who has made a standout contribution to the planning, design, construction or operation of airport infrastructure within their first five years in the sector.

Entries should highlight the individual’s achievements to date, their ability to inspire others, and how they are helping to drive positive change across the aviation infrastructure community.

Criteria

This category is open to individuals with no more than five years’ total experience working in aviation infrastructure, including those who have moved into the sector from other fields.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Clear contribution to airport infrastructure projects or programmes
• Technical excellence and problem-solving ability
• Leadership, initiative and the ability to inspire colleagues or stakeholders
• Innovative thinking or fresh approaches to engineering challenges
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning
• Contributions to sustainability, safety or social value
• Engagement with industry networks, knowledge sharing or mentoring
• Clear potential for future impact and leadership in the sector

This award recognises an individual who has made a lasting and transformative impact on the planning, engineering, delivery or operation of airport infrastructure. It celebrates those whose career achievements, leadership and vision have significantly advanced how airports are designed, built and run, through pioneering projects, innovation, advocacy or sustained commitment to excellence.

Open to senior leaders, technical experts and industry champions whose contribution extends beyond their own organisation, it honours a body of work that has shaped the sector and inspired those coming through it.

How this award is decided: nominations are open to the industry, and the judging panel and New Civil Engineer editorial team will also put forward recommendations. The judges will review all nominations and recommendations together to select the winner.

Criteria

Nominees should be able to demonstrate a sustained contribution to aviation infrastructure over their career.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Outstanding achievements in the delivery or operation of airport infrastructure
• Leadership, vision and influence across the aviation infrastructure sector
• Advances in airport engineering, construction, asset management or policy
• Pioneering projects or approaches that have been adopted more widely
• Mentoring, advocacy or support for developing future infrastructure talent
• Commitment to sustainability, safety, diversity and inclusion across the sector
• Recognition within the sector as a thought leader or role model
• Legacy impact, showing long-term benefit to airports and the people who use them

Successful airport projects are delivered through collaboration, shared purpose and a commitment to excellence. This award recognises the project team that has shown outstanding teamwork, integration and performance in delivering an airport scheme, and how individuals and organisations worked together to overcome challenges and deliver for clients, stakeholders and passengers.

This category is for multi-disciplinary teams working on airport projects with a value of more than £50m, completed in the last five years or currently in progress.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Strong collaboration and integration across disciplines and organisations
• Shared goals, values and collective problem-solving
• Major project challenges overcome through teamwork and innovation
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Measurable outcomes in cost, time, quality and scope
• Sustainability, safety and social value embedded in the team’s approach
• Testimonials demonstrating client and stakeholder satisfaction
• Legacy impact, including lessons learned and wider benefits to the sector

This category celebrates outstanding projects that have transformed airside operations and infrastructure, demonstrating technical excellence, innovation and efficiency in delivery. Eligible projects include runways, taxiways, aprons, airfield lighting and safety-critical systems, with a focus on solutions that enhance operational resilience, capacity and sustainability.

Eligible projects can be planned, under construction, or completed in the last five years. Each entry should include three different photographs of the project.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Technical excellence in airside engineering and design
• Safety performance and measurable improvements in operational safety
• Innovation in delivery methods, materials or technology
• Sustainability and environmental impact reduction
• Efficient delivery, as close to time and budget as possible where applicable
• Collaboration across the project team, including contractors, consultants and client
• Positive impact on airport capacity, performance and passenger outcomes
• Any other stand-out achievement that sets the project apart

This award recognises transformative airport expansion projects that increase capacity, improve efficiency and enhance passenger experience. From new terminals and runway extensions to integrated expansion masterplans, it celebrates projects that balance scale and complexity with innovation and sustainability.

Eligible projects can be planned, under construction, or completed in the last five years. Each entry should include three different photographs of the project.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Successful delivery of additional capacity and improved efficiency
• Innovation in design, engineering and construction
• Effective management of operational continuity during expansion
• Sustainability and carbon reduction strategies
• On-time and on-budget delivery where applicable
• Collaboration with regulators, stakeholders and the supply chain
• Enhancements to passenger experience and airport reputation
• Any unique or exceptional achievement that demonstrates industry leadership

This category celebrates projects that have extended the life, efficiency and performance of existing airport infrastructure through refurbishment, renewal or maintenance. From terminal refurbishments and runway resurfacing to modernising critical systems, it recognises the value of strategic reinvestment in assets.

Eligible projects can be planned, under construction, or completed in the last five years. Each entry should include three different photographs of the project.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Technical excellence in refurbishment, renewal or maintenance
• Innovation in methods, materials or technologies used
• Safety performance and minimal disruption to ongoing operations
• Improved efficiency, reliability and lifecycle performance of assets
• Sustainability and carbon-conscious approaches
• Effective collaboration across teams and with stakeholders
• Delivery on time and to budget where applicable
• Any other stand-out performance that sets the project apart

This award recognises projects that have successfully integrated airports with wider transport networks, improving accessibility, efficiency and passenger experience. Eligible projects include rail links, metro systems, road improvements and intermodal hubs that strengthen connectivity between airports and the regions they serve.

Eligible projects can be planned, under construction, or completed in the last five years. Each entry should include three different photographs of the project.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Successful delivery of integrated transport solutions for airports
• Technical and engineering excellence in design and delivery
• Innovation in approach, delivery methods or technology
• Measurable improvements in connectivity and passenger experience
• Environmental sustainability and carbon reduction in transport modes
• Collaboration across transport operators, stakeholders and the airport community
• Positive economic and social value outcomes
• Any other exceptional achievement that merits recognition

This award celebrates outstanding airport designs that set new benchmarks for architecture, engineering, sustainability and passenger experience. It recognises projects that combine world-class design with functionality, efficiency, resilience or the integration of next-generation aviation infrastructure.

Eligible projects can be planned, under construction, or completed in the last five years. Each entry should include three different photographs of the project.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Architectural and engineering design excellence
• Passenger experience improvements through design innovation
• Sustainability and carbon-conscious design solutions
• Adaptability and resilience for future growth and operational change
• Innovative use of materials, technology or construction methods
• Collaboration across disciplines to achieve design goals
• Contribution to the airport’s identity and sense of place
• Any unique design achievement that sets the project apart

This award celebrates consultancy firms that have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and technical expertise in delivering airport projects worldwide. From planning and design to strategic advisory, it recognises the vital role consultants play in shaping aviation infrastructure.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to performance and contribution to airport projects across the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Technical and strategic excellence in consultancy services
• Innovative approaches that have redefined best practice
• Leadership in sustainability, digitalisation or new ways of working
• A proven track record of measurable value for airport clients
• Collaboration and strong relationships across the supply chain
• Developing and sharing knowledge, skills and best practice within the sector
• Any other outstanding achievement that marks the consultancy out as a leader

This category recognises contractors that have delivered outstanding performance in the airport sector. Whether through major construction, specialist delivery or innovative methods, it celebrates those bringing technical excellence and efficiency to aviation infrastructure.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to performance and contribution to airport projects across the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Excellence in project delivery and construction management
• Innovation in construction methods, technology or materials
• Exceptional safety performance across airport projects
• Delivery on time and to budget under challenging conditions
• Environmental sustainability in construction and operations
• Collaboration and supply chain leadership
• Positive outcomes for airports, passengers and stakeholders
• Any other outstanding contribution that makes the contractor best in class

This award celebrates small and medium-sized enterprises making a significant impact in the airport sector. SMEs bring innovation, flexibility and specialist expertise, and this award recognises those that punch above their weight.

It is open to SMEs of every type working on airport infrastructure, including consultants, contractors, specialist subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to performance and contribution to airport projects across the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Innovation and creativity in approach, methods or solutions
• Technical excellence and specialist expertise
• Strong collaboration with larger partners, clients and stakeholders
• Business growth and resilience in a challenging market
• Sustainability and commitment to environmental performance
• Positive impact on airport projects, operations, passengers or the supply chain
• Any exceptional achievement that shows the SME’s influence and leadership

Airports depend on a diverse and reliable supply chain to deliver the products, services and expertise that keep projects and operations running. This award recognises the supplier that has made the greatest impact in the airport sector through outstanding performance, responsiveness and innovation.

It is open to suppliers of any discipline working on airport infrastructure, including manufacturers, equipment and materials suppliers, technology providers and service partners. Entrants should use examples from recent airport work to show how they have exceeded expectations and delivered measurable benefits for clients.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries can be UK or international and must relate to performance and contribution to airport projects across the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• High-quality products, services or solutions delivered to the airport sector
• Strong, collaborative relationships with clients and partners
• Innovative approaches that improved efficiency, safety or performance on airport projects or operations
• Added value and cost-effectiveness without compromising standards
• Resilience and reliability in meeting deadlines and overcoming challenges
• Case studies or testimonials evidencing client satisfaction
• Any other outstanding contribution that makes the supplier best in class

This category celebrates the UK airport that has shown the greatest excellence in developing and managing its infrastructure. Open to UK airports of all sizes, it recognises operators investing in their assets to improve capacity, resilience, sustainability and the passenger experience, while delivering well for their communities.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries must be from airports in the UK and relate to performance and infrastructure investment across the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• A clear infrastructure strategy and successful delivery of capital projects
• Operational efficiency, reliability and resilience of airport assets
• Leadership in sustainability and decarbonisation of airport infrastructure
• Innovation in airport design, technology or asset management
• Improvements to passenger experience delivered through infrastructure investment
• Strong collaboration with airlines, regulators, the supply chain and stakeholders
• Positive economic and social contribution to local communities
• Any other stand-out achievement

New for 2027, this category celebrates an airport outside the UK that has set a global benchmark for infrastructure development and delivery. It recognises operators whose investment in their assets has transformed capacity, resilience, sustainability and passenger experience.

Criteria

To be eligible, entries must be from airports outside the UK and relate to performance and infrastructure investment across the past 5 years: January 2022 – January 2027.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• A clear infrastructure strategy and successful delivery of capital projects
• Operational efficiency, reliability and resilience of airport assets
• Leadership in sustainability and decarbonisation of airport infrastructure
• Innovation in airport design, technology or asset management
• Improvements to passenger experience delivered through infrastructure investment
• Strong collaboration with airlines, regulators, the supply chain and stakeholders
• Positive economic and social contribution to the region served
• Lessons or approaches with the potential to be adopted by airports worldwide