Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has highlighted growing security challenges facing the aviation industry, saying recent bomb threats and hoaxes in Europe disrupted more than 30 flights. The issue was raised by the association’s Director General, Wong Hong, during the 70th Assembly of Presidents in Kuala Lumpur on 13 November 2026.
Addressing airline leaders at the gathering, Wong described the incidents as evidence of evolving challenges on the aviation safety and security fronts. He stressed that safety must never be compromised or treated as a negotiable cost, particularly as airlines navigate a difficult operating environment.
The security warning formed part of a wider assessment of the pressures facing the global airline industry. Wong pointed to geopolitical conflicts, disruptions to oil flows, global trade tensions and changing government policies, saying these developments were reshaping airspace access, traffic flows, fuel markets and the economics of airline networks.
He also highlighted continuing supply chain difficulties, with aircraft deliveries remaining constrained and engine availability and maintenance bottlenecks affecting fleet utilisation. Prolonged delivery delays, he said, were making capacity planning increasingly difficult for airlines.
Despite these challenges, Asia Pacific airlines have continued to record passenger demand growth. According to figures cited by Wong, passenger demand for the region’s airlines increased by 1.9% during the first nine months of 2026, while average load factors reached a record 83%.
However, he cautioned that strong passenger demand does not necessarily translate into stronger financial performance. Currency volatility, economic uncertainty and rising jet fuel prices are adding pressure to airline margins, even as carriers contend with higher operating costs and constraints on their ability to expand capacity.
Wong also raised concerns over the cost and availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), describing production capacity, supply and pricing as significant barriers to the industry’s decarbonisation efforts. He argued that airlines should not be expected to shoulder the financial burden of the transition alone, calling for governments, fuel producers, airports, investors and other industry stakeholders to contribute.
The 70th Assembly of Presidents brought together airline leaders from across the Asia Pacific region under the theme ‘Redefining Aviation: Growth, Resilience and Innovation’. The event also coincides with AAPA’s 60th anniversary, marking six decades since the association was established in September 1966.
Wong called for greater industry cooperation and innovation to help airlines withstand current uncertainties while preparing for long-term growth. He said the region’s underlying demand for air connectivity remained strong, supported by rising incomes, urbanisation and an expanding middle class.
Wong did not identify the flights or airports affected by the bomb threats, or provide a timeframe or further breakdown of the incidents. The figure of more than 30 disrupted flights was cited in his address to the regional airline industry.
