Europe’s regional airlines have been recognised for their contributions to connectivity, sustainability and innovation at the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) 2026 Airline Awards, held in Belfast.
Norwegian carrier Widerøe took the top honour, being named ERAA Airline of the Year 2026, while also winning the Regional Connectivity Award. ASL Airlines Ireland, KLM Cityhopper and French regional carrier HOP! were also recognised across the awards’ four categories.
The ceremony took place during the ERAA General Assembly in Belfast, which brought together representatives from across the European regional aviation industry to discuss the future of air connectivity and the challenges facing the sector.
The awards also highlighted the importance of regional aviation to the UK and Ireland, where reliable air links remain vital to communities, businesses and wider transport networks.
Widerøe recognised for regional connectivity
Widerøe’s double success recognised its overall performance and the role it plays in connecting remote communities across Norway.
The judges highlighted the airline’s contribution to essential regional and public service routes, helping maintain access to communities that might otherwise face significant transport challenges. Its work supporting regional economic development, alongside investment in sustainability, innovation and future aviation talent, also contributed to its selection as Airline of the Year.
Tore Jenssen, Chief Executive Officer of Widerøe, said the awards recognised both the airline’s network and the efforts of its employees.
He said the recognition provided further momentum for the airline to continue improving and innovating, while building on its existing achievements.
Widerøe’s success underlines the continuing importance of regional airlines in Europe’s transport infrastructure, particularly in areas where geography and distance make alternative forms of transport less practical.
For the UK, the challenge of maintaining regional connectivity remains an important industry issue, with domestic air services and links between regional airports and international hubs playing a role in supporting business and leisure travel.
ASL Airlines Ireland wins People and Culture Award
ASL Airlines Ireland received the ERAA People and Culture Award, recognising its work on employee engagement, leadership development, wellbeing and inclusion.
The judges also highlighted the airline’s investment in developing the next generation of aviation professionals, an increasingly important consideration for an industry that depends on skilled employees across flight operations, engineering, maintenance and other specialist roles.
John Rawl, Managing Director of ASL Airlines Ireland, said the award recognised initiatives and programmes introduced over the previous 18 months.
He added that the airline would continue working to develop an inclusive culture and adapt to a changing operating environment.
The award places the spotlight on the people side of regional aviation, where attracting, training and retaining skilled staff is essential to maintaining reliable operations and supporting future growth.
KLM Cityhopper recognised for innovation
The ERAA Innovation Award went to KLM Cityhopper for its work applying engineering solutions, predictive technologies and industry collaboration to strengthen its operations.
The airline’s initiatives were recognised for supporting operational resilience, efficiency and sustainability, demonstrating how technological development can help regional carriers respond to increasingly complex operational demands.
Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper, said innovation was central to the airline’s approach, including its role in testing and implementing solutions to operational and environmental challenges within the wider KLM Group.
The award highlights the importance of practical innovation in regional aviation, where improvements to reliability, maintenance planning and operational efficiency can have a direct effect on the passenger experience and the cost of providing services.
HOP! takes sustainability award
French regional airline HOP! received the ERAA Sustainability Award for its work to reduce environmental impacts across its air and ground operations.
The judges highlighted progress in reducing emissions, energy consumption and waste, alongside initiatives designed to improve fuel efficiency and energy use at the airline’s facilities.
HOP! Chief Executive Officer Hervé Boury said the award recognised the collective efforts of its teams, including measures to optimise flight operations, reduce fuel consumption and improve energy efficiency.
The airline also highlighted waste-sorting initiatives at its main maintenance centre as part of its wider environmental programme.
For regional airlines, sustainability remains a significant challenge. Operators must work to reduce their environmental footprint while continuing to provide the air links on which communities and businesses depend.
Belfast brings regional aviation into focus
The awards formed part of the ERAA General Assembly, held in Belfast from 6th to 8th October 2026. The event brought together airline representatives and businesses from across the aviation supply chain to consider the future of regional air transport.
With regional connectivity at a crossroads, the gathering provided an opportunity for industry leaders to discuss issues including operational efficiency, airport infrastructure, digitalisation and the transition towards lower-emission aviation.
The recognition of four airlines across connectivity, people, innovation and sustainability reflects the breadth of challenges facing the sector.
For the UK and Ireland, maintaining effective regional air links remains particularly relevant to economic development, access to international destinations and the viability of routes serving smaller or more remote communities.
While the awards celebrated individual airline achievements, they also reinforced the wider role of regional aviation in connecting Europe’s regions and supporting the communities that depend on air services.