“Hundreds of Airports May Need to Replace Their Safety Management Systems in 2026”, Says OneReg CEO

Why It Matters

The forced SMS overhaul reshapes airport safety governance, heightens cyber‑risk exposure, and creates a sizable market for next‑generation safety technology providers.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy safety systems reaching end‑of‑life by 2026
• Cybersecurity gaps drive demand for modern platforms
• Transitions affect reporting, risk assessments, and audits
• Airports favor unified, cloud‑native solutions over fragmented tools
• Market could see hundreds of new safety system contracts

Pulse Analysis

Airports are confronting a pivotal moment as decades‑old safety management systems become obsolete. Regulatory bodies across Europe and beyond are tightening requirements for data integrity, incident reporting, and cyber resilience, prompting operators to reassess the suitability of legacy platforms. The convergence of heightened cyber‑threats and the push for real‑time operational intelligence means that many existing SMS solutions no longer meet the baseline standards for security and performance, accelerating the timeline for replacement.

The technical migration from a legacy SMS to a modern, cloud‑native environment is far from trivial. It involves transferring thousands of data points, re‑configuring risk assessment workflows, and ensuring uninterrupted safety oversight during the cut‑over. Airports that attempt piecemeal upgrades risk creating fragmented data silos, whereas a unified platform can deliver cross‑functional visibility, streamlined audit trails, and automated compliance checks. Moreover, the shift enables predictive analytics, allowing safety teams to anticipate emerging risks rather than merely reacting to incidents.

From a market perspective, the projected wave of replacements represents a multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar opportunity for vendors specializing in aviation safety software. Companies that can demonstrate robust cybersecurity, scalability, and seamless integration with existing airport systems are likely to win tenders. For airport executives, the transition should be framed as a strategic investment: a modern SMS not only safeguards operations but also enhances stakeholder confidence and positions the airport for future digital initiatives. The 2026 deadline thus serves as both a challenge and a catalyst for industry‑wide innovation.