Phuket Airport Holds Major Emergency Drill Simulating Sea Crash Scenario

Phuket International Airport conducted a large-scale emergency exercise under the PEMEX 2026 program, simulating a complex aircraft accident at sea to test its crisis response capabilities.

The drill began at 2:00 p.m. and was officially opened by Teerapong Chuaychu, Deputy Governor of Ranong Province. The event brought together senior airport management, government representatives, emergency medical teams, and safety units from both public and private sectors.

Designed as a full-scale simulation, the exercise recreated a scenario in which an aircraft crashes into the sea. The operation covered all critical stages of emergency management — from the initial alert and declaration of an emergency to the deployment of personnel and equipment, coordination of command centers, rescue operations in open water, and the transfer of survivors to shore.

To align with international aviation safety standards, several key operational zones were established during the drill:

• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for overall coordination and command

• Triage Area for assessing and prioritizing casualties

• Care Area for continued medical treatment

• Passenger Holding Area to assist survivors and relatives

The primary goal of the exercise was to evaluate the airport’s preparedness across multiple aspects, including staff readiness, equipment efficiency, and inter-agency coordination. Authorities emphasized the importance of ensuring rapid and effective responses in real-life emergencies.

Officials noted that the results of the drill will be thoroughly analyzed and used to improve future emergency protocols. By refining procedures and strengthening cooperation between agencies, Phuket Airport aims to enhance aviation safety standards, build public trust, and maintain a high level of readiness for potential crisis situations.