Middle Eastern Nations Back Airport Security and Resilience Efforts
Recent support from Middle Eastern countries aims to enhance airport security, restore connectivity, and improve climate resilience.
The Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East has garnered significant backing from multiple countries in the region to implement stronger airport security protocols, enhance air connectivity, and increase climate resilience. This development was highlighted during the recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation for the Middle East Region (DGCA-MID/8) held in Doha, Qatar, late in October.
Strengthening Airport Security
One of the core focuses of the meeting was improving airport security. ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, in collaboration with Qatar and the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (CASP-MID), emphasized the need for closer collaboration among countries to counter threats like drone attacks and landside security issues. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, and the UAE voiced their support for these vital recommendations.
To facilitate this effort, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East intends to partner with ICAO and regional stakeholders to conduct joint workshops and webinars scheduled for 2027, aimed at enhancing security standards.
Innovative Security Technologies
In addition to security cooperation, the association advocated for piloting advanced screening technologies, including the use of computed tomography (CT) scanners to enhance the evaluation of liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs). All member states have agreed to back these trials and improve communication with passengers as international security screening protocols continue to evolve.
Moreover, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East called on governments to prioritize the restoration of air connectivity post-pandemic and to secure necessary investments for airports to meet growing passenger demands. The assembly acknowledged these priorities, encouraging nations to support traffic recovery efforts, streamline funding access, and establish sustainable financing methods for airport infrastructure development.
Addressing Climate Resilience
Another major discussion point was climate resilience. ACI presented insights from a pilot initiative that assessed 47 airports, identifying significant threats posed by extreme weather conditions such as heat, heavy rain, and storms. Alarmingly, an estimated 58% of the surveyed airport infrastructure was found to be vulnerable to these risks.
In response, the meeting urged member states to encourage airport involvement in the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Net Zero Roadmap Programme and to utilize the climate risk assessment tools offered by the organization. The UAE, Qatar, and Egypt, along with the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), expressed their commitment to these initiatives.
Enhancing Operational Resilience
To further bolster operational resilience, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East recommended that airports develop comprehensive business continuity plans integrated with existing safety management and emergency response protocols. This strategic approach aims to ensure that essential services are maintained during disruptions and that operations can safely resume afterward.
Stefano Baronci, the Director General at ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, expressed gratitude for the support from member states, highlighting the shared obligation between aviation authorities and airport operators to safeguard these crucial infrastructures. Baronci stated, "Airports are critical economic infrastructure. Protecting them from emerging threats and investing in their future is a shared responsibility. We appreciate the support from Member States for our recommendations and eagerly anticipate collaborating to enhance the safety and resilience of airports throughout the Middle East."
Looking ahead, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East plans to continue fostering collaboration among ICAO, member states, and industry partners to implement the proposed security and resilience measures across the region.