Fiji Airports tests night-time aircraft crash response at Nausori

Fiji Airports has tested the country's ability to respond to a major night-time aircraft accident after staging a full-scale emergency crash exercise at Nausori International Airport involving emergency services, aviation agencies and regional partners.

The exercise, held on Friday night, brought together the Fiji Police Force, National Fire Authority, St John Ambulance Fiji, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, airlines, airport stakeholders and other emergency response agencies to assess coordination during an aviation emergency.

The exercise tested command and control arrangements, emergency communications, casualty management, Emergency Operations Centre functions and multi-agency coordination under realistic conditions.

The simulation concluded a week-long emergency management training programme led by the Fiji Police Force in partnership with Fiji Airports, the Pacific Community (SPC), Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP), the Pacific Islands Emergency Management Alliance (PIEMA), the Pacific Incident Management System (PACIMS) and the Web Emergency Operations Centre (WEOC).

The programme included specialised training in incident management, emergency operations centre management, crisis communication, resource management, situational awareness and emergency decision-making before culminating in the live night-time aircraft crash simulation.

The exercise tested command and control arrangements, emergency communications, casualty management, Emergency Operations Centre functions and multi-agency coordination under realistic conditions.

Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the exercise reinforced the importance of preparedness and partnership.

"Safety remains our highest priority at Fiji Airports," Mr Nawari said.

"Exercises such as these are essential in ensuring our emergency plans, personnel, and partner agencies are prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner should an actual aircraft emergency occur.

"They provide valuable opportunities to test our emergency response capabilities under realistic conditions and ensure Nausori International Airport remains prepared to respond effectively to any aviation emergency.

"The professionalism and commitment displayed throughout the training programme and the exercise reflect the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting lives and maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety."

Mr Nawari acknowledged the Fiji Police Force for leading the exercise and thanked all participating agencies and regional partners.

"This exercise demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies come together with a common purpose.

"We sincerely thank the Fiji Police Force, SPC, BSRP, PIEMA, PACIMS, WEOC, emergency services, aviation stakeholders, and all participating organisations for their dedication and collaboration.

"We also extend our appreciation to the communities surrounding Nausori International Airport for their patience and understanding during the exercise."

Fiji Airports said lessons identified during the exercise would be incorporated into future emergency planning to further strengthen preparedness across its airport network.