BANGKOK: Airports are evolving beyond their traditional role as transportation hubs, and they are increasingly focusing on resilience, sustainability and adaptability amid a rapidly changing global landscape, according to Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East director-general Stefano Baronci.
Speaking at the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition today, Baronci said the industry is entering a period of heightened uncertainty shaped by conflicts, supply chain disruptions, energy insecurity and protectionist policies.
"Nevertheless, the aviation industry continues to navigate global economic shifts, geopolitical developments and climate-related challenges while remaining a key driver of connectivity and economic growth,” he said during the keynote address at the three-day conference attended by about 500 aviation industry delegates.
He noted that recent geopolitical developments, including tensions in West Asia, have highlighted the importance of strengthening operational resilience and energy security within the aviation sector, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Baronci said the region remains highly dependent on energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, making regional stability important for global trade, connectivity, and aviation operations.
At the same time, he said airports and airlines across Asia-Pacific have demonstrated strong adaptability in managing operational challenges, including fluctuating fuel costs and evolving travel patterns.
"Resilience and adaptability are no longer optional. They are prerequisites for future-proofing against more frequent, more complex and more interconnected risks,” he said.
Baronci also stressed the importance of collaboration and multilateral solutions in addressing global challenges affecting aviation, including climate change, cybersecurity risks and supply chain disruptions.
He said airports are increasingly investing in decarbonisation initiatives, climate resilience programmes and infrastructure modernisation to support long-term sustainable growth.
"Failure to meet climate commitments would be a failure not only for aviation but for society as a whole,” he said.
Baronci pointed out that many cities in Asia, including Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, are facing environmental pressures linked to rising sea levels and urbanisation, underlining the need for long-term planning and resilient infrastructure development.
He also said travellers may continue to see higher ticket prices during the peak July travel period as airlines adjust to evolving operational and fuel market conditions.
Based on industry analysis, he noted that fares for certain long-haul routes from Asia could be between 60 and 70 per cent higher compared to previous years, particularly for flights affected by changes in West Asia connectivity.
Despite global uncertainties, he said ASEAN’s aviation sector continues to show strong growth momentum and remains a major contributor to regional economic development.
Baronci said airports across ASEAN handled around 700 million passengers in 2025 and nearly nine million tonnes of cargo.
The sector also contributed approximately US$244 billion to ASEAN’s gross domestic product and supported around 23 million jobs through direct, indirect and tourism-related activities.
He said the ASEAN Single Aviation Market has strengthened regional connectivity and supported the growth of local carriers, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
At the same time, Baronci said there remains significant potential to further improve connectivity between secondary cities and expand cooperation with key markets such as China, India and the European Union.
He added that airports need to continue playing a vital role in supporting trade, tourism and people-to-people connectivity across the region.
"What begins in fear must continue in hope,” he said, expressing confidence in the aviation sector’s ability to adapt and grow amid changing global conditions. - Bernama
