ACI Bangkok 2026: Arab Aviation Leaders Drive Global Airport Strategy

The attention of global aviation industry stakeholders is currently turning towards the Thai capital, Bangkok, which is hosting the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition from 12 to 14 May 2026.

This event represents over 600 airports across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, two of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing aviation markets (Asia-Pacific and the Middle East), where air transport supports 46 million jobs and contributes $1.18 trillion to the gross domestic product (GDP).

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Airports of Thailand is hosting this year’s event under the theme “Airports as Engines of Shared Prosperity,” emphasising the role of airports in socio-economic development. This article highlights prominent Arab experts and the panel sessions where they will address key industry issues.

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Mazen Johar: JEDCO CEO on Transforming Airports for Growth

Influential Arab leadership figures are participating to help shape the future strategic and operational direction of the airport industry.

Among the participants is the CEO of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) in Saudi Arabia, who possesses over 25 years of practical experience.

Johar will join the session “Leaders’ Dialogue: Prosperity through Leadership: Reimagining the Airport’s Role in a Changing World” on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (11:05 am – 11:50 am), focusing on how airport leadership is evolving amid technological and competitive changes.

Leveraging his leadership, which earned Jeddah Airports Company a 4-star Skytrax rating, Johar will discuss translating strategy into real societal value and transforming airports into strategic assets for national prosperity. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, to which he has previously contributed through localisation and industrial service development.

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Ayman AboAbah: Riyadh Airports CEO on The Road to Net Zero

The CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, who is leading the operational transformation and development journey at King Khalid International Airport in line with development targets and Saudi Vision 2030. He is recognised for his strategic vision, support for innovation and environmental sustainability, and is considered an influential figure in international aviation forums.

He is participating in a session titled “Sustainability – The Road to Net Zero Emissions” on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (12:50 pm – 1:20 pm).

Ayman AboAbah will lead a discussion on one of the most critical challenges facing the industry: achieving net-zero carbon emissions amid increasing regulatory and climate pressures. The session will feature CEO insights on meeting global climate targets while maintaining operational efficiency and cost savings, reflecting the commitment of the region’s airports—led by Riyadh Airports—to pioneering environmental sustainability and meeting the expectations of both investors and passengers.

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Dr Waleed Youssef: ASA DG Explores Total Airport Management

Director General of the Airport Services Association (ASA World), is an Egyptian-American with over 35 years of experience in aviation. He has led airport privatisation and strategic development across six continents.

In a statement to Aljaweea, Dr Waleed Youssef confirmed his participation in the session “Total Airport Management (TAM) to Optimise Airport Capacity” on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (11:50 am – 12:35 pm), which will focus on enhancing airport operational capacity.

As the Director General of ASA World and an expert who has led major projects for international and Arab airports (including Abu Dhabi, Amman, Muscat and the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah), Dr Youssef will discuss the importance of Total Airport Management (TAM). He will explain how effective collaboration among air navigation, ground handling, and airport management can eliminate capacity bottlenecks, improve passenger experience, and maximise return on investment.

Middle East: Exporting Aviation Excellence

These Arab experts actively lead the global air transport dialogue. From comprehensive management strategies and infrastructure development to service innovation and environmental sustainability, Arab experts are proving that the Middle East is no longer just a rapidly growing market but has become a global hub for exporting expertise, making decisions, and setting standards of excellence in airports.

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