World’s Most Innovative Airports Unveiled: Winners of the 2025 Technology Innovation Awards in Busan

Published on November 27, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The Airports Council International (ACI) World and Amadeus have revealed the winners of the highly anticipated 2025 Technology Innovation Awards. The awards, which took place at the Airports Innovate 2025 event in Busan, Republic of Korea, honor airports that are pioneering the future of air travel. This year’s winners showcase remarkable strides in digital transformation, enhanced passenger experiences, and sustainable operations, setting a new standard for airports worldwide.

What Happened at the Awards?

The 2025 Technology Innovation Awards recognized several airports for their cutting-edge advancements in technology and operational improvements. Held during the Airports Innovate 2025 Gala Dinner, the awards spotlighted achievements that aim to make air travel smoother, safer, and more sustainable. The event, organized by ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, ACI EUROPE, and ACI World, is one of the most prestigious gatherings in the airport industry, bringing together leaders from across the globe.

Among the awardees, notable mentions include groundbreaking innovations in digital services, climate-smart airport designs, and biometric systems. These technologies aim to meet rising air travel demands, which are expected to reach 9.8 billion passengers in 2025 and grow to 17.2 billion by 2043.

Who Won the Technology Innovation Awards?

Several airports received top honors for their exceptional technological advancements. The categories included best innovations in passenger processes, operations management, and more. Below are the key winners:

1. Best Innovation in Airport Passenger-Related Processes: Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, India, was recognized for its “Biometric Enabled Self Baggage Drop”. This system allows passengers to drop off their luggage without the need for manual intervention, streamlining the check-in process and enhancing the travel experience through biometrics.
2. Best Innovation in Airport Operations and Installations Management: Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, won for its “Smart Cleaning System”, which redefines facility management. The smart cleaning system uses advanced technology to ensure the cleanliness of high-traffic areas, improving both operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
3. Best Airport Innovation Leader (Individual): Pablo Lopez Loeches, Head of Ideation & Entrepreneurship at Aena, was recognized for his leadership in fostering a culture of innovation across the organization, helping Aena lead multiple successful airport transformation projects.
4. Best Innovation for Airports on the Rise (5 million passengers or less): Roland Garros Airport in Réunion, France, took home the award for its “Bioclimatic Airport Building”, which focuses on sustainable architecture and energy efficiency. This innovation enhances both the environmental footprint and the operational efficiency of the airport.

These awards underscore the critical role of technology in the airport industry’s digital transformation. From biometrics to smart systems, these innovations are setting a high bar for the global airport ecosystem.

Why Are These Innovations So Important?

As air travel continues to grow at a rapid pace, airport technology must evolve to keep up with increasing passenger numbers and expectations. In 2025, air travel is expected to increase by 3.7% year-on-year, and airports must adapt to manage this demand efficiently. Technology is a key solution, unlocking capacity while simultaneously improving the passenger experience and ensuring sustainable operations.

These advancements in digital transformation and sustainability not only help manage growing passenger numbers but also enable airports to offer a seamless travel experience. Innovations like biometric identification, identity-enabled self-service, and climate-smart designs are pivotal in meeting the complex demands of modern air travel.

Where Did the Announcement Take Place?

The announcement of the 2025 Technology Innovation Awards was made at the Airports Innovate 2025 event held in Busan, Republic of Korea. Busan, a bustling port city known for its vibrant culture and technological advancements, provided a fitting backdrop for this global gathering. The event showcased some of the latest trends in airport innovation, bringing together industry experts, technology leaders, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the future of air travel.

When Did the Event Take Place?

The 2025 Technology Innovation Awards were announced on November 26, 2025, during the Airports Innovate 2025 Gala Dinner. This event marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s journey toward more efficient, sustainable, and passenger-friendly airports.

How Did the Winners Achieve Their Success?

The winning airports demonstrated a commitment to transforming airport operations through cutting-edge technologies. The implementation of biometric systems at Kempegowda International Airport, for example, not only streamlines the baggage drop process but also enhances security and operational efficiency. Similarly, Queen Alia International Airport’s smart cleaning system offers a new approach to facility management, ensuring that cleaning processes are optimized for both time and resource use.

Roland Garros Airport’s bioclimatic building represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, combining architectural innovation with environmental responsibility. These technologies, among others, reflect a growing trend in the airport industry toward integrating digital identity, sustainability, and operational efficiency into daily operations.

The Road Ahead for Airport Innovation

As air travel continues to evolve, airports worldwide are embracing technology as a solution to meet growing demands. The 2025 Technology Innovation Awards highlight the success of these efforts, showcasing innovations that are already having a tangible impact on airport operations and passenger experiences. The winners of this year’s awards have set a high standard, demonstrating that with the right technology, airports can not only manage increasing traffic but also provide a better, more efficient, and sustainable travel experience.

The next decade will likely see even more groundbreaking innovations in airport technology, with a focus on further integrating digital services, enhancing sustainability, and offering seamless, biometrics-driven travel experiences.