Airports in Asia-Pacific and Middle East commit to sustainable infrastructure for future growth

Airports across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are gearing up for a projected 7% annual growth in air travel over the next 25 years. To meet this demand, members of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East passed a resolution during their 2nd Regional Assembly in New Delhi, prioritising capacity optimisation and infrastructure development both on the ground and in the skies, along with sustainability. 

Sustainable airport expansion across Asia-Pacific and Middle East key to supporting long-term air travel growth

The resolution highlights the strategic importance of airports in socio-economic development. The two regions, which represent 58% of the global aviation market and 9 of the 10 fastest-growing aviation markets, are committing to sustainable, long-term airport growth.

Key points include modernising slot allocation systems to reflect current market conditions, promoting Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), enhancing cross-border Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), and expanding runways and terminals. Emphasis was also placed on integrating digital technologies and green initiatives, such as climate-resilient infrastructure, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and green energy.

The resolution calls for diverse financing approaches—like Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)—and urges governments to adopt regulatory frameworks that encourage investment while protecting consumer interests. It also promotes global collaboration and industry best practices.

Mr SGK Kishore, President of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “The region’s position as the primary driver of global air travel growth makes investment in modern, efficient, and sustainable airport infrastructure not just prudent but absolutely critical.”

Mr Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, added: “A holistic approach is the need of the hour. This entails not only investment in physical airport infrastructure but also modernisation of air traffic management and a fundamental overhaul of the outdated slot management guidelines.”

The resolution reinforces the region’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation to handle exponential growth while securing long-term efficiency and resilience.

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