The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), through General Santos International Airport (GSIA), successfully carried out its second Airport Emergency Full-Scale Simulation on Friday, November 29.
The exercise tested responses to two critical scenarios: an Act of Unlawful Interference and an Aircraft Accident on Airport Grounds.
To minimize disruption and keep stakeholders informed, Airport Manager Jhoel Gavina confirmed that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued two weeks prior, announcing the closure of Runway 35/17 from 2:00 AM to 1:30 PM on the day of the simulation.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the drill commenced with an urgent alert from the Air Traffic Control Tower, informing the GSIA Airport Manager of an aircraft, en route from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) in Davao, experiencing an act of unlawful interference. The flight was rerouted to GSIA, activating a comprehensive emergency response to evaluate communication protocols, coordination, and crisis management efficiency.
The simulation engaged key personnel from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit (PNP-AVSEU), CAAP’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Service, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo underscored the importance of these exercises, stating, “This event reaffirms CAAP’s commitment to safety and security. By conducting realistic drills, we ensure that all personnel and agencies are prepared to respond effectively to real-life emergencies. Our priority is the protection of lives while ensuring continuity in airport operations.”
This initiative demonstrates CAAP’s proactive approach to enhancing the resilience and preparedness of the Philippine aviation sector.
