ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East hosts a user-needs session on Climate Adaptation Approach Study

ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) hosted the User Needs Session for its latest launched Climate Adaptation Study n for APAC & MID airports (“the study”) on the 2 April 2025. This interactive session brought together representatives from airports, sustainability professionals and climate experts, to engage an in-depth discussions with the objectives and progress of the Study on Climate Adaptation Approach for APAC & MID airports. The session was well-received and highly successful, with active participation from attendees of over 60 airports participants across the regions.

Opening Remarks
The session was inaugurated with an opening remarks from Ms. Kristy Tan, Senior Manager of Climate Resilience at Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Leader of the Climate Change Adaptation Working Group, and Mr. Ken Lau, Head of Sustainability at ACI APAC & MID. Both expressed gratitude for the high level  engagement, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing climate challenges. The agenda, meticulously curated by Ms. Cindy Varnier, Associate Director at AECOM, the appointed ACI World Business Partner for the study, provided participants with a comprehensive introduction to the study and facilitated in-depth discussions on the current climate risks facing airports. 

Understanding the Climate Adaptation Study
Ms. Varnier outlined the multi-phase objectives of the Study on Climate Adaptation Approach for APAC & MID airports, emphasising its focus on addressing physical climate risks such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels. The study aims to achieve three key milestones:
1.     Developing research-backed guidelines for climate resilience
2.    Pilot-testing climate risk assessment tools
3.    Creating a monitoring dashboard and a final comprehensive report to drive sustainable best practices across the aviation sector

These initiatives are designed to empower airports in building resilience against climate impacts while aligning with national and international climate goals. Ms. Varnier also clarified the distinction between physical risks and transition risks, reinforcing that the study’s primary focus is on the physical impacts of climate change.  

Interactive Engagement and Insights
The session featured interactive breakout discussions that encouraged participants to share their experiences and insights regarding climate hazards, physical risks and existing responses and management practices at airports. The attendees were divided into two groups, with discussions facilitated by AECOM’s consultants, Ms. Cindy Varnier and Ms. Harley LewingtonThe Miro platform was used to foster collaborative exchanges, allowing participants to contribute in real-time.
 

Activities included icebreakers, focused discussions, and live polling exercises, which cultivated an engaging atmosphere for knowledge sharing. The breakout groups reflected on their individual airport's experiences with climate risks, while also exploring common climate-related impacts across the region and innovative approaches to resilience and sustainability.

 
Pioneering Climate Resilience 
The Study on Climate Adaptation Approach for APAC & MID airports reflects ACI APAC & MID's unwavering commitment to enhancing climate resilience in the aviation industry. By fostering collaboration between airports and sustainability stakeholders, ACI APAC & MID is driving practical solutions and establishing industry-leading best practices for mitigating climate risks.

ACI APAC & MID also shared  invitations to Official Representatives of regional members to encourage their participation, and the response has been strong with 48 airports already expressing interests. We encourage all airport members to participate to ensure well informed deliverables to be produced in this Study for collective benefits.

Conclusion
The User Needs Session marked a crucial milestone in the Study on Climate Adaptation Approach for APAC & MID airports’ journey, strengthening partnerships and collecting valuable feedback to inform the next phases of the project. With continued collaboration and innovative solutions, the aviation industry is on track to build a more resilient, climate-conscious future.

For any airport members interested in joining the program, please reach out to Mr. Ken Lau, Head of Sustainability of ACI APAC & MID – ken@aci-asiapac.aero.