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Director General, Stefano Baronci, reflects on the advocacy efforts of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East to raise awareness of the social and economic importance of the region’s airports and the huge infrastructure challenges ahead.

While we may think about bustling terminals filled with people heading to far-off places, the significance of these hubs extends far beyond that. Airports attract a variety of businesses and, in doing so, generate a multitude of job opportunities for local communities.

Looking forward, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for extraordinary growth, with forecasts predicting 8.7 billion passengers by 2042, while the Middle East is estimated to reach one billion passengers in two decades.

This swelling demand establishes an urgent need for airport infrastructure, necessitating an investment of around $1.3 trillion in capital expenditure in Asia-Pacific and $151 billion in the Middle East over 20 years.

With the top ten fastest-growing aviation markets from these regions, addressing infrastructure needs is vital to avoid inefficiencies and ensure sustainable growth. Failure to address infrastructure needs could have significant socio-economic consequences, potentially leading to inefficiencies and stunted growth.

To emphasize the urgency of these infrastructure needs and advocate for sustainable growth, we engaged media to drive home the point that airports are critical to economic growth at all levels.

We continue to advocate for investment in airport infrastructure to accommodate this surge in air passenger traffic, dispelling the misconception that airport charges directly impact airfares.

Indeed, we reiterated our message at the recent ICAO Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference, where we highlighted the need for infrastructure development in the presence of regulators and ministers from the APAC region.

We also made a strong case for enhancing aerodrome safety through APEX reviews, the adoption of One-Stop Security measures, and the implementation of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) for operational efficiency.

Our advocacy extended to the 9th Beijing Global Friend Airport CEO Forum, where we highlighted the industry’s need to address connectivity, climate change, and infrastructure development as critical components of aviation’s transformation.

SUSTAINABILITY AND SECURITY AT THE FOREFRONT

The aviation industry’s challenge today lies in balancing rapid growth with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

As air travel expands in regions like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, adopting greener practices has become essential. At ACI APAC & MID, we are driving efforts to reduce the environmental impact of airports through innovative collaborations.

At the ACI APAC & MID Regional Environment Committee in Bangkok, we discussed the benefits of partnering with airlines to adopt more sustainable practices, ranging from cabin waste management to the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable energy.

We also approved a climate adaptation study, preparing airports for the inevitable impacts of climate change, while promoting eco-friendly firefighting foams as a significant step towards reducing environmental contamination.

However, these efforts extend far beyond committee meetings. At the ICAO 8th Meeting of the Aerodromes Operations and Planning Sub-Group (AOP/SG/8), held in Bangkok, and at a Sustainable Aviation webinar hosted in collaboration with the Singapore Aviation Academy and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, ACI APAC & MID reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainability in aviation.

These events have created platforms for industry experts to share data-driven insights, helping airports implement meaningful changes in their operations. Through webinars and workshops, ACI APAC & MID is fostering an industry-wide dialogue on sustainability, driving the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and practices.

The challenges are significant, but the commitment to change is growing stronger every day, pushing the aviation industry toward a greener, more sustainable path forward.

GREATER EMPHASIS ON SECURITY

Security is another key priority as airports face challenges ranging from manpower shortages to emerging threats.

At the recent ICN Global Aviation Security Seminar in Incheon, Republic of Korea, we addressed the urgent need for addressing manpower shortages, evolving security threats, and the adoption of smart security technologies to enhance airport safety.

As airports confront these challenges, the need for innovative security solutions has become more urgent than ever. ACI APAC & MID also highlighted the importance of security-by-design – a concept that ensures security measures are integrated into the planning and design of new airport infrastructure for long-term resilience and safety.

MONKEY POX THREAT

In the wake of the emerging threat from Monkey Pox, a survey was conducted amongst our members to assess the preparedness of the industry.

The survey revealed that many airports have already taken steps to enhance safety protocols. These measures include increased cleaning, passenger communications, temperature checks, and health declarations upon arrival.

However, challenges persist, particularly around the coordination with stakeholders and the timely sharing of information.

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE IN AVIATION

At ACI APAC & MID, we believe in recognizing the commitment of airport operators that strive towards building and enhancing their safety culture. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the ACI APAC & MID Safety Recognition Award 2025, a chance to spotlight the airports that are leading the way in aerodrome safety.

By sharing best practices, we can continue to raise the bar and ensure a safer future for all.

We are also thrilled to open applications for the ACI APAC & MID Young Executive Award 2025. This year’s theme, ‘How Artificial Intelligence will Transform Airports and Customer Experience’, gives young professionals the platform to showcase their creativity and fresh perspectives.

These awards reflect our commitment to celebrating safety, innovation, and the bright minds driving change in aviation. We encourage our airport members to embrace the awards and show the world your examples of excellence in terms of airfield safety and using AI to enhance the customer experience.