ACI APAC & MID collaborates with ICAO to strengthen protection on Drone Attacks in the Middle East

2026-06-03

As geopolitical complexities continue to reshape the aviation landscape, Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) reinforced its commitment to aviation security at the recent ICAO Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (CASP-MID) Expert Working Group Meeting held virtually on the 18 May 2026. ACI APAC & MID joined aviation security regulators from 12 States in the Middle East region to strengthen international collaborations on aviation security.

ICAO’s CASP-MID is a capacity-building programme designed to enhance security compliance among States in the Middle East. This regional collaborative porgramme has become more vital given the heightened security challenges brought by recent geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.

At the meeting, ACI APAC & MID outlined the severe impacts on passenger and cargo traffic over the past two months due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions, and highlighted how the affected airports have been working relentlessly to progressively resume operations in a safe and effective manner.

Besides, ACI APAC & MID underscored various critical initiatives in addressing pressing security risks, in particular the increasing concerns of drone attacks targeting airport infrastructure. Drawing on recent ACI data, a growing number of airports across the region have experienced unauthorised drone incursions, resulting in varying degrees of operational disruption. In this context, ACI APAC & MID encouraged States to extend further support to airport operators to strengthen counter-drone measures, including trial and adoption of counter-drone technologies and associated training for airport personnel.

ACI APAC & MID will continue to collaborate closely with ICAO CASP-MID and relevant regional stakeholders to enhance industry resilience against drone attacks and other evolving threats.