Pictures courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), operated by Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), has announced plans to conduct a full-scale emergency response exercise simulating an aircraft fire on the apron. The drill is scheduled to take place on 17 July 2025, between 09:00 and 12:00, as part of the airport’s annual safety preparedness programme for the 2025 fiscal year.

 

The exercise, codenamed SEMEX–25, will be held at Stand S126, located near the SAT-1 (Satellite Terminal 1) concourse. The scenario will simulate a fire outbreak on a stationary aircraft to test emergency protocols, firefighting capabilities, medical response, coordination and crisis communication procedures among all relevant stakeholders.

 

According to airport officials, the drill is part of the airport’s comprehensive emergency management plan and aims to enhance operational readiness among all departments including airport firefighting services, medical teams, airside operations, ground handling agents and government emergency services. It is also designed to reinforce international safety standards, in line with requirements from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

 

“The purpose of this full-scale drill is not only to ensure our emergency teams can respond swiftly and effectively, but also to boost public and stakeholder confidence in the safety protocols at Suvarnabhumi Airport,” said a spokesperson for AOT.

 

Passengers and the public are advised that the drill is a training simulation only and not to be alarmed by any visible emergency response activity during the stated period.

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport has a longstanding commitment to safety, and this exercise is part of ongoing efforts to maintain its status as one of Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hubs. Similar drills are conducted annually, covering various emergency scenarios such as runway incidents, hazardous material leaks and public health emergencies.

 

Officials have encouraged media and aviation stakeholders to observe or report on the exercise to promote awareness of airport safety protocols.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-13

 

 

 

Mandatory for most international airports...