ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East calls for smarter capacity, modernised slot policy and stronger climate action at 61st ICAO DGCA Conference

2026-09-16

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) secured regional support for action on airport and airspace capacity, modernising airport slot policies and strengthening climate resilience at the 61st ICAO Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Asia and Pacific Regions, held in Kuala Lumpur from 7 to 11 September 2026.

ACI APAC & MID presented three discussion papers to the Conference. Its joint paper with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) focused on assessing airport and airspace capacity. Other recommendations called for the modernisation of airport slot policies and highlighted practical programmes and tools to help airports strengthen climate resilience and advance towards Net Zero.

Key Outcomes

Airport and Airspace Capacity: The DGCA Conference supported the partnership between ACI APAC & MID and CANSO, which aims to assess airport and ATM capacities in the region and whether these capacities will meet future traffic growth. This initiative highlights the need for airport and air traffic management (ATM) capacity expansion, optimisation and improvements to advance in tandem. This collaboration is of strategic importance as the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions prepare for a period of significant growth in air travel.
Airport Slot Policy: ACI APAC & MID highlighted the importance of maintaining the fundamental principles of airport slot allocation framework while improving its efficiency and effectiveness. The Conference encouraged States to continue stakeholder discussions to enhance the efficiency of slot allocation.
Climate Action: States and Administrations are encouraged to recommend that their airports participate in the ACI APAC & MID Net Zero Roadmap and use the complimentary Climate Risk Maturity Check Tool and Climate Risk Assessment Tool to strengthen preparedness and long-term resilience. This paper received supportive interventions from various States, particularly from the Pacific Islands States.

Commenting on the outcomes, Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI APAC & MID, said: “Asia-Pacific and the Middle East continue to be the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Meeting this growth will require close cooperation between governments, regulators and industry to ensure that airport infrastructure, airspace capacity and policy frameworks evolve in step with demand. As a voice of airports, we are pleased to bring the airport perspective to these discussions and support practical policies that enhance capacity, operational efficiency and airport climate action across the sector.”

Additionally, through Information Papers, ACI APAC & MID highlighted key challenges and priorities for the region’s airports:

Airport Security and Facilitation: Addressed the operational challenges facing airport security amid rapid traffic growth and the need to ensure that security and facilitation measures keep pace with rising passenger demand.
The State of the Asia-Pacific Airport Industry: Examined the region’s airport industry, highlighting traffic growth, financial pressures and the need for continued infrastructure investment to meet future demand.

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East remains committed to working closely with ICAO, Member States and industry partners to strengthen airport capabilities, support sustainable growth and reinforce the role of airports as key enablers of economic development and regional connectivity.