Phuket Airport stages full-scale sea crash drill

Phuket International Airport conducted a full-scale emergency drill simulating a sea crash on April 8, 2026. The exercise, designed to test crisis response protocols, involved airport staff, local emergency services, and maritime rescue teams operating off the coast near Phuket. The scenario required coordinated action across multiple agencies to assess readiness for large-scale aviation incidents.

Multi-Agency Coordination and Response

The drill mobilized over 200 personnel, including firefighters, medical teams, and marine police, officials said. Emergency vessels and ambulances were deployed to the designated crash zone, where simulated casualties were transferred from water to shore for triage.

Observers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand monitored the operation to evaluate compliance with international safety standards. The airport’s emergency command center coordinated communications between air traffic control, rescue units, and hospital staff.

Phuket International Airport conducts such exercises every two years as part of regulatory requirements. Organizers stated that this year’s scenario focused on rapid deployment of marine resources and real-time interagency communication.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-airport-stages-full-scale-sea-crash-drill-99856.php