ACI APAC & MID Engages at ECAC Seminar in Navigating Airport Security Challenges

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East had the privilege to participate in the Interregional Seminar on Privatisation of Aviation Security and One Stop Security, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 24-26 February 2025. This 2-day seminar was jointly organised by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), bringing together  over 100 security professionals from state regulators, airports, and airlines, primarily from the Middle East and Africa.

Mr. Gary Leung, Senior Manager of Security & Facilitation at ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, participated in two of the panel discussions focused on airport security.

The first panel addressed the challenges faced by the civil aviation industry, particularly airports, in responding to the rapidly evolving threats and risks to aviation. Mr. Leung emphasised several emerging threats, including unauthorized drone intrusions, the increasing use of explosives targeting aviation, and vulnerabilities in landside security. He also elaborated on how ACI is assisting airports in mitigating these growing threats.

The second panel delved into the concept of One Stop Security (OSS), which aims to eliminate security screening and controls at transfer airports. Mr. Leung highlighted that OSS not only enhances operational efficiency and improves the passenger experience by facilitating smoother transfers but also raises overall security standards by allowing resources to be redirected to higher-risk areas.

This seminar provided a valuable platform for discussing critical security issues and collaborative solutions across different regions. ACI, as the voice of airports, is dedicated to fostering partnerships and sharing best practices in advancing aviation security. By collaborating with States and industry stakeholders, we are committed to building constructive discussions and actions that help our airport members at the forefront of aviation security advancements.