Hong Kong Airport Conducts Major Crash Drill Ahead of Three-Runway Operation

Hong Kong Airport Conducts Major Crash Drill Ahead of Three-Runway Operation

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) took a major step towards ensuring seamless operations under its upcoming three-runway system by conducting a comprehensive aircraft crash and rescue drill on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024. The exercise, held on the newly reconfigured Centre Runway, involved over 1,000 participants from more than 20 organizations and government agencies, demonstrating HKIA’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

The drill was designed to simulate a realistic scenario. A departure flight with 120 passengers was depicted as aborting takeoff, resulting in a collapsed landing gear and an engine fire. This triggered a swift and coordinated response from all participating entities.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) immediately activated the Airport Emergency Centre, streamlining communication and coordination across departments. Emergency responders, including the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), rushed to the scene, expertly handling firefighting, rescue, medical aid, and casualty transport.

Injured passengers and crew were transported to four public hospitals, while uninjured individuals were taken to the airport’s Passenger Reception Centre. Following immigration and customs checks, these passengers were then welcomed at the Family Reception Centre, ensuring their well-being and providing support during a stressful situation.

A simulated joint press briefing was held by AAHK, the Air Accident Investigation Authority, Cathay Pacific, FSD, and HKPF, providing updates on the incident and the emergency response. The exercise also involved more than 20 university students from six local institutions, who participated as reporters, gaining valuable experience in covering emergency situations.

The drill concluded successfully at 6:00 am, showcasing the airport’s preparedness for potential emergencies. Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of AAHK, emphasized the importance of the exercise: “Hong Kong International Airport always attaches great importance to safety. This exercise provided a valuable opportunity for AAHK and the airport community, participating government departments and organizations to test and familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and test our preparedness for contingencies on the reconfigured Centre Runway under three-runway operation. We thank all parties for their active participation in this exercise, and getting prepared for the three-runway operation.”

HKIA conducts over 100 drills, exercises, and training seminars annually. In anticipation of the three-runway system, an additional 50 exercises have been implemented, covering a variety of operational disruptions and emergency scenarios, including severe weather, system failure, equipment malfunctions, public health incidents, and security incidents.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates HKIA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient airport environment, ensuring a smooth transition to the three-runway operation and a continued high level of service for passengers and airlines. The exercise served as a valuable test of the airport’s emergency response capabilities, highlighting the collaborative efforts of numerous organizations and agencies working together to ensure passenger safety and well-being.