Night crash drill tests airport emergency response

Fiji Airports successfully tested its emergency response protocols with a comprehensive night-time aircraft crash exercise at Nausori International Airport. The simulation aimed to evaluate the coordinated response of various agencies to a major accident occurring after dark.

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The exercise was an important reminder that preparation saves lives.

The exercise brought together a wide array of participants, including the Fiji Police Force, National Fire Authority, St John Ambulance Fiji, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Republic of Fiji Military Forces, airlines, and other airport stakeholders. This collaborative effort allowed for the assessment of incident management, emergency operations, crisis communication, and inter-agency coordination under realistic conditions.

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari emphasized the critical importance of preparedness, stating, "preparation saves lives." He affirmed that safety is the organization's paramount priority and that such regular drills are essential for ensuring emergency teams are ready to act swiftly and cohesively during a real crisis. Nawari also highlighted the value of strong partnerships, noting the seamless collaboration among all involved parties throughout the training and simulation.

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Safety remains the organisation’s top priority and that regular exercises help ensure emergency teams are ready to respond quickly and work together effectively if a real aircraft emergency occurs.

The successful completion of the exercise marked the culmination of a week-long emergency management training program spearheaded by the Fiji Police Force. The lessons learned from this simulation will be integrated into Fiji Airports' planning and response strategies to further enhance capabilities across its entire airport network. The airport authority also extended its gratitude to the local communities near Nausori International Airport for their understanding during the exercise.

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He said the exercise also highlighted the value of strong partnerships, with emergency agencies, aviation stakeholders, and regional organisations working side by side throughout the training and simulation.