Kuala lumpur: 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 and 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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. Baronci highlighted that recent geopolitical developments, including tensions in West Asia, underscore the importance of strengthening operational resilience and energy security within the aviation sector, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted the region's reliance on energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for regional stability for global trade, connectivity, and aviation operations.
In addition, airports and airlines across Asia-Pacific have shown strong adaptability in managing operational challenges, such as fluctuating fuel costs and evolving travel patterns. Baronci asserted that resilience and adaptability are essential for future-proofing against increasingly frequent, complex, and interconnected risks. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and multilateral solutions in addressing global challenges affecting aviation, including climate change, cybersecurity risks, and supply chain disruptions.
Airports are investing more in decarbonisation initiatives, climate resilience programs, and infrastructure modernization to support long-term sustainable growth. According to Baronci, failing to meet climate commitments would mean failing not only aviation but society as a whole. He pointed out that many cities in Asia, such as Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, face environmental pressures from rising sea levels and urbanization, highlighting the need for long-term planning and resilient infrastructure development.
With evolving operational and fuel market conditions, travelers may experience higher ticket prices during the peak July travel period. Industry analysis suggests that fares for certain long-haul routes from Asia could be 60 to 70 percent higher than in previous years, especially for flights affected by changes in West Asia connectivity. Despite these global uncertainties, ASEAN's aviation sector shows strong growth momentum, significantly contributing to regional economic development.
Baronci stated that ASEAN airports managed around 700 million passengers in 2025 and nearly nine million tonnes of cargo. The sector contributed approximately US$244 billion to ASEAN's GDP and supported around 23 million jobs through direct, indirect, and tourism-related activities. The ASEAN Single Aviation Market has enhanced regional connectivity and supported the growth of local carriers, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Baronci noted the potential for improving connectivity between secondary cities and expanding cooperation with key markets like China, India, and the European Union. He emphasized the crucial role of airports in supporting trade, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity across the region. Expressing confidence in the aviation sector's ability to adapt and grow amid changing global conditions, Baronci concluded, "What begins in fear must continue in hope."