On June 25th, 2025, airports across Canada will celebrate the inaugural Airport Workers Day. This is a day of recognition for the people who keep Canada moving and to celebrate their vital contribution to our communities and our economies. We project more than 150 million passengers will travel through Canada’s airports this year, creating 200 thousand direct airport jobs.

Airport Workers Day is a coordinated national event where Canadian airports will show appreciation for airport employees who go the extra mile every day to connect people, to connect communities, and to connect Canada to the world.

Participating airports across the country will host a variety of employee appreciation events, such as barbecues, food trucks, games & prizes, catered coffee breaks, and more.

From equipment operators to above the wing agents, security to below the wing agents, mechanics, firefighters to administration employees – the professions and career paths within our airports are as diverse as the people who fill these roles. Air transportation is only possible because a dynamic network of specialists working diligently in concert to ensure the safe and seamless movement of people and goods.

Airport workers keep Canada’s aviation system moving, and for this we are celebrating and thanking them.

#AirportWorkersDay2025

Participating Airports

Calgary
Deer Lake
Edmonton
Fort McMurray
Ottawa
Prince George

Sault Ste Marie
St John’s
Sydney
Thunder Bay
Toronto-Pearson
Vancouver

National Awards

As part of this day, eight airport workers will be honoured with national awards that recognize their dedication and contribution.

Award categories include:

Rising Star – A standout individual who has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and promise in their position at an early stage of their airport career. The recipient of this award has shown remarkable drive, dedication to excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact within their department or organization. This award celebrates their impressive accomplishments and the bright future ahead of them.

Excellence in Efficiency Optimization – Honouring an individual who has demonstrated outstanding skill in streamlining processes, improving workflows, reducing costs, and maximizing productivity across their department or organization. Their ability to strategically refine systems and implement effective changes has made a measurable impact, contributing to short-term success and long-term growth.

Airport Innovator – Whether generating ideas, planning creative solutions, or staying a step ahead of the ever-evolving needs of today’s airports, cargo and passengers – someone who is motivated by change, possessing a unique ability to problem-solve with out-of-the-box solutions to challenges big or small.

Environmental Steward – An airport employee who passionately manages and supports conservation and preservation and who effectively works towards the decarbonization of the airport environment in a long-term sustainable manner.

Outstanding Service – Celebrating a person who provides exemplary support for customers and passengers, demonstrating a commitment to a seamless passenger journey.

Operational Excellence – Shining a spotlight on an airport worker whose contributions may be behind the scenes but are essential to the smooth operation of the airport. This individual demonstrates innovative ideas, exceptional teamwork, and a collaborative spirit.

Outstanding Leadership – A supervisor or manager who has steered their team with outstanding leadership qualities, ensuring smooth travels within their department.

Industry Champion – An individual who inspires the younger generation to consider careers in aviation or airport management by showcasing the exciting and diverse opportunities available within the industry.

 

Nominations Are Open

Nominations are now open for the 2025 National Airport Workers Day Awards. We invite nominations for those who have demonstrated exemplary service, innovation, and dedication. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the individuals who go above and beyond to ensure smooth operations, positive passenger experiences, and a thriving airport environment. Showcase someone’s talent and commitment by submitting your preliminary nominations here.

 

Canadian Airports Award Recipients for 2024 include:

Leanna Anderson from Halifax-Stanfield – Operational Excellence

Alistair Stewart from Air Canada at Toronto Pearson – Industry Champion

Marcos Zambrano from Toronto Pearson – Environmental Steward

Adam Lo Bianco from Fort McMurray International Airport – Outstanding Leadership

Emily Parsons from Vancouver International Airport – Outstanding Service

Aviation Careers

Learn more about the many careers that are possible in Canada’s aviation industry.

Do you know a woman or youth who is curious about the world of aviation? Elevate Aviation provides a platform for women and underrepresented groups to thrive and succeed through careers in aviation. Elevate aviation is a primary provider of aviation career support, working alongside industry professionals to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Questions or media queries can be directed to:

Julie Pondant

Senior Director of Communications

Canadian Airports Council

Julie.Pondant@cacairports.ca