Newcastle Airport has been named Australia's Airport of the Year, WA-based Maroomba Airlines took out Domestic Airline of the Year – Passenger and Logistics, and LifeFlight secured its third consecutive EMS Business of the Year award, at the 2026 Australian Aviation Awards held in Sydney on Thursday 6 August.
Newcastle Airport's win recognises what organisers described as an extraordinary year of growth, innovation and regional impact, capping the airport's transformation into an international gateway for NSW and the Hunter following the successful delivery of its international terminal. The award submission highlighted the airport's operational readiness, innovation in terminal design, sustainability leadership and its role in driving regional jobs and economic growth.
Newcastle was selected ahead of an outstanding field of finalists including Launceston Airport, Mackay Airport, Melbourne Airport and Port Hedland International Airport.
Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the recognition belonged to the airport's team and the region it serves. "This award is a nod to our people, our airline partners, governments, stakeholders and the community who have supported our ambition to become the airport the region deserves," she said.
Chief Executive Officer Linc Horton said the airport had evolved from a regional facility into an international gateway and platform for regional opportunity. "Over the past year we have successfully delivered our international terminal, introduced key domestic and international routes for our region and continued building the partnerships that are helping unlock tourism, trade, investment and jobs for the Hunter," he said.
The award capped a significant day for the airport, with EGM Aviation Andrew Warrender and EGM People and Communications Burcak Sezer both invited to speak at the Australian Aviation Summit ahead of the awards, on aviation risk and security, and sustainability, respectively.
Maroomba Airlines: Domestic Airline of the Year – Passenger and Logistics
Maroomba Airlines' win marks a significant milestone in the carrier's more than 40-year history. Chief Executive Officer Laura Benger said the award reflected the standard the Maroomba team works to deliver daily. "Our team understands that reliability is not just about an aircraft departing on time. It is about communicating well, solving problems quickly and delivering a consistently high standard of service from the first interaction on the ground through to arrival," she said.
Maroomba has operated since 1985, providing tailored FIFO and charter services to mining, energy, regional and remote clients, connecting some of Australia's most geographically isolated locations. Beyond the major category win, Maroomba was also a finalist for MRO Business of the Year, with Benger a finalist for Executive of the Year and the company's Jon White a finalist for Engineering Professional of the Year.
The award comes as Maroomba enters its next phase of growth, following the July launch of Altura Airlines, a majority Indigenous-owned charter airline delivering aviation services across regional and remote Australia.
LifeFlight: EMS Business of the Year (third consecutive win)
LifeFlight took out EMS Business of the Year for the third year running, following a milestone year in which the organisation celebrated helping more than 100,000 people since its inception.
LifeFlight Commercial Chief Operating Officer Timothy McGuire, who accepted the award, said the consecutive win was a proud moment for the organisation. "To be recognised as EMS Business of the Year for a third consecutive time is an incredible achievement and a credit to every member of the LifeFlight team who contributes to our mission each day," he said. "This award reflects the skill, dedication and teamwork of our people, who continue to push the boundaries of aeromedical care and support communities across Australia."
McGuire said the organisation remained focused on further investment in its people and capability. "We remain committed to strengthening our capability and investing in the people, technology and resources needed to continue providing the highest standard of aeromedical care to communities whenever and wherever they need us."
Other category winners on the night included Little Wings, named Aerial Services Business of the Year; Angel Flight, named Industry Association of the Year; and Babcock, named Rotary-wing Business of the Year.
About the awards
Now in its fifth year, the Australian Aviation Awards recognise excellence across Australia's aviation, aerospace and defence sectors, spanning commercial and general aviation, safety, technology, education, innovation and leadership. This year's ceremony followed the Australian Aviation Summit, which brought together industry leaders from across the country.