29th ACI World Annual General Assembly affirms its position on Airports and Drones
Resolution encourages member airports to take measures to protect themselves from unwanted drones
Montreal, 16 April 2019 – Airports Council International (ACI) World Annual General Assembly (WAGA) held on 4 April in Hong Kong, China unanimously expressed its position on mitigating the threat of unwanted drones affecting airports.
The Resolution makes it clear that the industry needs to take measures to protect themselves from unwanted drones and encourages national authorities and local law enforcement agencies to take responsibility for preparation and enforcement of anti-drone measures.
The Resolution provides a basis for airport action and appeals for coordinated measures together with governments and other concerned parties. Based on advice from national authorities, it proposes that these parties establish a Concept of Operations and Standard Operating Procedures for anti-drone measures at airports.
The Resolution makes recommendations for good practices such as coordinating with drone industry experts to understand the latest developments, as well as providing training to airport operational personnel on policies and procedures on the operation of authorized and unauthorized drones.
“The recent drone-related disruption at airports in Europe, and the potential impact of drones on airport safety and operations, have raised significant questions for operations around the world and their preparedness to handle situations like this,” said ACI World Director General Angela Gittens. “This resolution encourages collaboration among all industry stakeholders to find solutions to this challenge. By sharing experience and lessons learned on anti-drone measures and drone related incidents, best practice can be adopted across the industry.”
The 29th ACI Asia-Pacific/World Annual General Assembly, Congress & Exhibition held in Hong Kong, China, 2 to 4 April, hosted by Hong Kong International Airport, attracted more than 850 delegates from around the world.
Notes for editors
- Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2019, ACI serves 646 members, operating 1,960 airports in 176 countries.
- Read the full Resolution: Urging member airports to take measures to protect themselves from unwanted drones.
- Read all Resolutions passed at the 2019 ACI World General Assembly.
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