Adelaide Airport has soared past Australia’s largest aviation hubs to claim the title of Capital City Airport of the Year at the 2024 Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Awards. This South Australian standout has proved that size doesn’t always matter when it comes to innovation, sustainability, and passenger experience.
Adelaide Airport edged out competition from other major hubs by not just ticking the usual boxes but completely reimagining what an airport can and should be. With its world-first trials, sustainable design ethos, and a clear focus on accessibility, Adelaide is a trailblazer in the aviation industry.
“The airport is running world-first trials which will contribute to building the knowledge base for our industry,” the AAA noted in its announcement.
“If successful, these initiatives will change the nature of air travel, making it more accessible to everybody, more sustainable, and a better experience across the board.”
Why Adelaide took the crown
Adelaide Airport’s achievements span a range of critical areas, from operations to passenger comfort.
Here’s why it stood out:
- Innovation at its core: Adelaide Airport is testing initiatives that could revolutionise air travel — not just locally, but globally. These trials, while still in their early stages, demonstrate the airport’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
- Sustainability leadership: Adelaide’s airport has integrated environmentally conscious practices into its operations, setting a standard for other airports to follow.
- Customer-first approach: By creating an inclusive and efficient passenger experience, Adelaide Airport is reshaping what it means to be a major transit hub.
Who else took off with top honours?
While Adelaide stole the show, the 2024 AAA Awards were a celebration of excellence across the Australian aviation industry. Here’s a quick look at the other winners who made headlines:
Major Airport of the Year: Cairns Airport
Cairns Airport demonstrated resilience and determination during the region’s worst floods in over a century. The airport’s swift recovery efforts ensured minimal disruption to passengers during the peak holiday season – a feat that earned them top honours in this category.
“This is the second year in a row Cairns Airport has been named Major Airport of the Year at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards, and it is wonderful to be celebrated at this level,” Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said.
“Critically, we continued to hit the ground running amidst the recovery, delivering significant international growth for Tropical North Queensland. We have Fiji Airways and Air Asia Indonesia flying to Cairns for the first time and announced the first direct connection to Christchurch with Jetstar, commencing in April.
“We are also just weeks away from the return of Cathay Pacific, which will complement Singapore Airlines’ A350 widebody services, another huge success of 2024.”
Metro Airport of the Year: Archerfield Airport, Queensland
Archerfield Airport impressed with its mix of infrastructure projects and economic growth, including the construction of its largest-ever hangar and new logistics facilities.
Large Regional Airport of the Year: Broome International Airport, Western Australia
With a population of just 15,000, Broome managed to secure a new international service to Singapore. This massive achievement was supported by a $20 million terminal upgrade.
Small Regional Airport of the Year: Newman Airport, Western Australia
Newman Airport’s redevelopment plans focus on cultural reconciliation and supporting the Pilbara region’s $40.1 billion contribution to Australia’s economy.
Small Regional Aerodrome of the Year: Djarindjin Airport, Western Australia
Djarindjin Airport’s innovative TrackerAIRSIDE Lite mobile app raised the bar for helicopter operations, showcasing the potential of Indigenous-led innovation in aviation.
Emerging Airport Leader: Andrea Dobson, East Kimberley Regional Airport
Andrea Dobson’s dedication to improving her skills and thinking outside the box earned her this award. From airport screening to operations management, Dobson’s rapid rise is one to watch.
Airport Excellence Awards
The Airport Excellence Awards highlighted airports and projects that are transforming the industry through sustainability, innovation, and accessibility.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership: Sunshine Coast Airport, QLD
Breaking barriers for travellers with disabilities, Sunshine Coast Airport’s partnership with accessibility tech companies BindiMaps and Cérge sets a new benchmark for inclusivity.
Sustainability: Sydney Airport, NSW
Sydney Airport’s Built Environment Sustainability Standards embed environmental responsibility into every infrastructure project, setting a new industry standard.
Innovation: Townsville Airport, QLD
Townsville’s transition to an online Electronic Community Aviation Consultative Group has redefined community engagement, enabling participation from diverse stakeholders.
Infrastructure: Darwin International Airport, NT
Darwin Airport’s multi-faceted upgrade modernised its terminal and surrounding precinct while boosting Northern Australia’s economic recovery.
Operations: Canberra Airport, ACT
Canberra Airport’s Safedock FleX system has elevated operational safety and efficiency through cutting-edge 3D laser and real-time gate management technology.
What this means for Australian airports
The 2024 AAA Awards highlighted that Australian airports aren’t just keeping pace with global standards, they’re setting them. Adelaide’s win as Capital City Airport of the Year underscores that innovation and customer-centric strategies are essential for staying competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
As AAA Chair Kym Meys put it: “Whether it’s an airfield in a tiny community in the Kimberley, a major airport in Queensland preparing for disasters, or an international gateway carrying out developments, airports around the country are continually working to deliver a better product.”
