ACI APAC & MID reaffirms its commitment in advancing regional aviation security at ICAO Forum

2026-07-30

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) underscored critical challenges and security threats facing airports in the region by delivering two presentations at the 14th ICAO Asia & Pacific Regional Aviation Security Coordination Forum (RASCF-APAC/14), held in Negombo, Sri Lanka on 25–26 June. The annual regional forum was attended by more than 70 aviation security experts, including state regulators in Asia-Pacific and industry associations.

At the forum, ACI APAC & MID delivered an overview of the security-related operational challenges commonly observed at airports across Asia-Pacific amid rapid passenger and cargo growth. These challenges include emerging security threats to aviation, difficulties in implementing advanced technology at smaller airports, challenges in recruiting and training security screeners and constraints arising from airport design limitations that can hinder effective security protection. In this context, ACI APAC & MID encouraged state regulators at the Forum to work closely with airport operators and provide appropriate support to help address these operational challenges.

In its second presentation, ACI APAC & MID focused on the rising threat of drone attacks against airports. 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. ACI emphasised that states should establish clear and actionable regulations for counter-drone protection and support airports in strengthening countermeasures at airports against this fast-evolving threat. The forum expressed appreciation for ACI’s timely presentation on the topic and suggested continuing to share information and best practices in future forums.

Besides, ACI APAC & MID was also invited to present the evolving security threats facing Asia-Pacific airports in the 21st Steering Committee Meeting of ICAO Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP), which was held prior to the RASCF at the same location. 

ACI APAC & MID will continue to drive industry collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance aviation security standards across the region.

Gary Leung, Senior Manager, Security and Facilitation at ACI APAC & MID delivered an overview of the security-related operational challenges commonly observed at airports across Asia-Pacific amid rapid passenger and cargo growth.