Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has received the Diamond Award, the highest distinction at the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East Safety Recognition Awards 2026, strengthening its position among leading airports globally for aviation safety and operational resilience.
The recognition comes as airports across the region focus increasingly on safety systems and operational preparedness amid growing passenger traffic and rising complexity in aviation operations. The award specifically acknowledges Bengaluru airport’s efforts in strengthening runway safety through innovation-driven and collaborative practices.
The ACI Safety Recognition Awards honour airports that have demonstrated strong safety culture and introduced practical and effective solutions to improve safety management. The Diamond Award is the highest category under the programme and recognises sustained excellence in operational safety.
According to airport officials, the recognition was driven by BLR Airport’s runway safety initiatives, led by its Runway Safety Team (RST), which works through a data-driven and ecosystem-based approach involving multiple stakeholders.
Among the measures highlighted were the development of an indigenous Runway Safety Maturity Matrix, hotspot mitigation strategies, pilot awareness initiatives, advanced Foreign Object Debris (FOD) management systems and continuous interventions aimed at improving airside safety and operational efficiency.
Commenting on the achievement, Chief Operating Officer Girish Nair said aviation safety must increasingly be seen as an ecosystem-wide responsibility rather than a standalone operational function. He said the award reflects the maturity of the airport’s safety framework and its focus on building globally benchmarked, resilient and future-ready operations, while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said, aviation safety and operational efficiency remain central to maintaining passenger trust, especially in an increasingly complex environment. He said airports across the region have shown strong leadership and adaptability, while congratulating winners for maintaining high safety standards.
Airport officials said the focus ahead will remain on strengthening safety systems, capability building and closer coordination across stakeholders to maintain operational reliability and resilience as air traffic demand continues to rise.
