ACI APAC & MID Calls for Stronger Cybersecurity Measures at Airports

2025-03-20

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) highlighted the urgent need for enhanced cyber security measures at airports during the inaugural ICAO Regional Seminar on Aviation Cybersecurity from March 12-14 in Bangkok, Thailand.

This high-level seminar, aimed at bringing together stakeholders from the region to discuss the growing importance of cybersecurity in aviation, attracted over 70 delegates, including representatives from airports, airlines, regulators, IT professionals, and air navigation service providers.

Representing the airports industry, Mr. Gary Leung, Senior Manager, Aviation & Facilitation, ACI APAC & MID, highlighted the increasing cybersecurity challenges that airports face and outlined ACI’s initiatives to assist airports in strengthening their cyber defenses.

The integration of technology has become essential to airport operations. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the reliance on technology and automation by airports worldwide. However, this interconnectivity has reinforced the critical need for proactive mitigation strategies to address cyber-attacks.

The recent ACI APAC & MID survey results indicate that cybersecurity is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant challenges for airports. There has been a noticeable rise in deliberate and malicious cyberattacks against airports globally, accompanied by increasingly sophisticated tactics. Against this backdrop, ACI APAC & MID recommended a structured approach for airports to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, including the need to:

Establish a clear governance structure within the airport organization.
Implement measures to ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of critical ICT systems.
Enhance cybersecurity awareness and training among airport workers.

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East remains committed to supporting airports in tackling emerging cybersecurity threats through advocacy, capacity-building initiatives, and tools.