More than 1,000 personnel, volunteers stage emergency drill at Hong Kong airport

South China Morning Post
by Wynna Wong
March 3, 2026
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More than 1,000 personnel, volunteers stage emergency drill at Hong Kong airport
Hong Kong International Airport recently conducted a large-scale emergency drill involving over 1,000 personnel and hundreds of volunteers to test its preparedness for handling major aircraft accidents. The exercise took place on the airport’s central runway early Tuesday morning, starting at 2:15 AM and concluding four hours later. It simulated a scenario where a departing flight aborted takeoff due to smoke reported from a passenger’s power bank, triggering a coordinated response by emergency services. The drill was part of an annual safety measure aimed at ensuring that the airport can effectively manage emergencies. Participants included firefighters, police units, ambulance services, and other rescue teams, who practiced their roles in a realistic setting complete with simulated fires, medical evacuations, and coordination between multiple agencies. The exercise also featured a passenger疏散process and tested communication protocols among different emergency units. This event underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to maintaining a high level of safety at one of the world’s busiest airports. Such drills are crucial for preparing for potential aviation disasters, which are rare but require meticulous planning.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/3/2026