Best Airports in Europe for 2025
The initiative rewards airports that have distinguished themselves for their ability to respond to current challenges: from the growth of passenger traffic beyond pre-pandemic levels to the evolution of the passenger experience, up to the ecological transition, safety, financial balance and well-being of staff.
The 2025 theme, "The challenges of growth", underlined the value of airports that have been able to face these transformations with strategic vision, resilience and innovation. In addition to the traffic category awards, four special awards were awarded: Digital Transformation Award, Eco-Innovation Award, HR Excellence Award and World Business Partner Award.
Special awards and recognitions for European airports
Special Award for Outstanding Resilience: Ukrainian airports
In an unexpected announcement, ACI EUROPE has presented Ukrainian airports with an Award for Exceptional Resilience, in recognition of the determination with which they have faced the last few years. Despite the closure of national airspace and the total loss of connectivity, these facilities have continued to work to safeguard existing infrastructure, maintain operational readiness and support their staff. In the face of the complete loss of revenues and damages suffered due to the conflict, the award symbolizes the concrete support of the European airport community.
Digital Transformation Award - Munich Airport
The award dedicated to digital transformation, established with SESAR JU, went to Munich Airport, for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that have improved safety, capacity and environmental impact. The jury particularly praised the use of service robots and artificial intelligence in operational management, recognizing the Bavarian hub's leadership in digital aviation. Special mention also for Athens International Airport.
Eco-Innovation Award - Maastricht-Aachen Airport
The award for environmental innovation was awarded to Maastricht-Aachen Airport, thanks to the Electrifly project, which offers an all-electric "door-to-door" international travel experience. A pioneering and ambitious initiative that represents a model for the zero-emission mobility of the future.
The Norwegian airport of Stavanger (Avinor) was also highly praised.
HR Excellence Award - Lyon Airport
The Human Resources department of Lyon airport has been awarded for its structured DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) policy plan. The initiatives put in place demonstrate a genuine commitment to an inclusive and participatory work environment, with leadership capable of generating impact both individually and collectively.
World Business Partner Award - Ella Soltani, To70 Aviation
The recognition to the industrial partners went to Ella Soltani of To70 Aviation, for her constant and strategic contribution to ACI EUROPE's activities, from the Environmental Strategy Committee to the Stargate project, up to the role of moderator in numerous European conferences on the sustainable future of aviation. An award that celebrates technical expertise and personal passion.
The best European airports by category of passenger traffic
Less than 5 million passengers - Cork Airport
Ireland's Cork Airport has distinguished itself with +10% year-on-year traffic growth and excellence in sustainability, having been Ireland's best semi-public body for CO₂ reduction for two consecutive years.
Between 5 and 10 million passengers - Vasil Levski Sofia Airport
Sofia Airport's transformative strategy impressed the jury for its impact on human capital and the territory, in addition to the net zero goal by 2036.
Mention for Larnaka International Airport.
Between 10 and 25 million passengers - Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Airport was awarded for the digitalisation of processes and the ambitious path towards carbon neutrality, thanks also to a wind farm and an innovative district heating system.
Mention for Milan Linate Airport.
Between 25 and 40 million passengers - Athens International Airport
The Greek airport of Athens International Airport has distinguished itself for its tourism promotion through strategic partnerships and for its ability to respond effectively to seasonality. No other airport has managed to compete in this category.
Over 40 million passengers - Rome Fiumicino Airport
The Roman hub of Rome Fiumicino Airport once again conquers the title of best European airport in the range of major airports. The jury was convinced by the new 30 GWh/year photovoltaic system, the largest in self-consumption in Europe, which avoids over 11,000 tons of CO₂ per year. Data-driven process management and effective cooperation with stakeholders are also decisive.
Mention for London Heathrow Airport.
ACI EUROPE
