Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific, a trade association representing 622 airports from 47 countries/territories, has made a resolution to promote, restore and develop air connectivity in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to ensure social and economic development as well as support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The resolution emphasises the importance of fully restoring and further developing air connectivity in the region, recognising the essential role that airports, driven by efficient and affordable air connectivity, can play in driving economic growth and social development.

Between 2022 and 2019, there has been a significant drop in the number of direct routes, flight frequencies and available seat capacity in Asia-Pacific as a result of the full-scale global COVID-19 transportation crisis. On the contrary, airports in the Middle East Region have recovered much faster, especially the large international airports.

Aviation ecosystem

Recognising the circumstances in which airports are operating, characterised by increased airfares, reduced airlines’ competition and aviation ecosystem workforce, and significant resources required to finance the necessary modernisation of infrastructure, the ACI Asia-Pacific Board encourages airport operators to open a new dialogue with national authorities and industry stakeholders to modernise the aviation sector.

Commenting on the resolution, Emmanuel Menanteau, President, ACI Asia-Pacific, said: “Connectivity is a critical enabler for social and economic wealth. Restoring air connectivity in the Asia-Pacific and development of more routes in the Middle East is essential to support the recovery of their economies.

“This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the airport community of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to work together with national and regional authorities in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner for the benefit of passengers as well as local communities served by the airports.”

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific said “Asia-Pacific is resurging after three complex years. Modernising the sector means critically assessing what can be done differently and better thorough a close dialogue between institutional and industry stakeholders.”
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