Bangkok: Thailand hosted world aviation leaders, showcasing its potential as a regional hub and pushing standards to world-class levels. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) hosted the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition 2026 (ACI APAC and MID RACE). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, presided over the opening ceremony of the exhibition and welcomed the conference participants. Ms. Paweena Chariyathitipong, President and CEO of AOT, and Mr. Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI APAC and MID, also welcomed the attendees, who were leaders in the aviation industry from the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. Thailand's hosting of this important event underscores its readiness to be a regional aviation hub and provides a significant opportunity to strengthen cooperation with leading airports worldwide in air transportation, while simultaneously promoting economic development. This w ill help elevate the service standards of Thai airports to World Class Hospitality, delivering memorable travel experiences to passengers and driving sustainable income distribution to local communities.
According to Thai News Agency, the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition 2026, held under the theme "Airports as Engines of Shared Prosperity," reflected the importance of airports in driving economic growth, connecting safe, sustainable, and efficient air transport, and promoting technology to facilitate passenger convenience. Within the event, AOT showcased its role in developing airports as regional aviation hubs, developing modern aviation technologies and innovations, and upgrading service quality to support a seamless passenger experience. This aligns with the Thai government's tourism promotion policy aimed at positioning Thailand as a world-class destination.
The ACI APAC and MID RACE 2026 conference was held from May 12-14, 2026, at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park Hotel, with over 400 representatives from all sectors of the aviation and tourism industry, including airport management from over 600 airports in 44 countries worldwide.