The drill, held at 1:30am in the airside area aircraft parking areas 31-32, was designed to improve the preparedness and confidence of airport personnel, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the airport, explained Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode.
The exercise aimed to ensure that all relevant departments are familiar with and experienced in the procedures outlined for such scenarios, particularly under challenging weather conditions with low visibility, he said.
Director of Airport Operations, Tuanchai Tansuriyawong, provided an overview of the exercise’s objectives, emphasising its importance in maintaining passenger safety.
In addition to personnel from airline companies, ground service operators, and other relevant government agencies, also taking part in the exercise were representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Office of the Accident and Incident Investigation Committee.
The exercise simulated a real situation in May this year when an aircraft was unable to move off the runway due to a failure in its hydraulic steering system, necessitating the use of a pushback tractor to clear the way.
Emergency personnel at the airport also held an emergency-response drill on July 10, with an exercise simulating an aircraft sliding off the runway.
Under Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) regulations, airports in Thailand must conduct a full-scale emergency plan exercise at least once every two years.