ACI APAC & MID Emphasises Security-by-design for Airports

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East delivered a presentation at the 12th ICAO Asia & Pacific Regional Aviation Security Coordination Forum (RASCF-APAC/12), emphasising the importance of the concept of security-by-design, which refers to the integration of security considerations in the design and drawing phase of any new or renovating airport infrastructure. The Forum was held in Manila, Philippines from 25-26 July. 

Over 80 aviation security experts from state regulators in Asia-Pacific and industry associations attended the ICAO annual regional security forum. 

The presentation was very well received by the Forum, as it was considered very timely and relative for the Asia-Pacific region, in view of the significant forecasted growth in capital investment in airport infrastructure development in the region in the next few decades. A number of airport mega projects have started or about to start construction in the coming years, such as Noida International Airport in India, U-Tapao International Airport in Thailand, Western Sydney International Airport in Australia, and many more. 

Currently, many of the airports in the region are facing challenges of aging infrastructure, many of which were built in the 70s or 80s. From the perspective of security operations, many of the existing airport facilities have already reached capacity limits and are no longer keeping up with the industry evolution, such as the evolution in technology, regulatory requirements, threats and risks, and passenger expectations. For example, space limitations at passenger security checkpoints is making it difficult for a lot of airports in the region to trial or deploy advanced screening technologies, as they are usually heavier and require more space than conventional screening machines. Another example is that the terminal frontage area is not designed in a way to better protect the airport from landside attacks, including hostile vehicle attacks that have become more frequent in recent years. 

In view of these challenges, ACI strongly encouraged the State regulators in the Forum to work closely with the airports to ensure security considerations are integrated into the upfront design of new airport infrastructure. By getting the design right from the outset, operations will ultimately become more effective and efficient, minimizing the need for significant retrofitting in the future.  

In addition, a number of other issues were discussed at the Forum, including the implementation progress of the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP), capacity building initiatives in the region, and sharing of best practices in cybersecurity and other emerging threats.  

The next RASCF will be held in June 2025, with the exact date and location to be confirmed. 

Besides, ACI was also invited to present on the APEX in Security programme at the 19th Steering Committee Meeting of ICAO Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP), which was held prior to the RASCF at the same location.