Suvarnabhumi Airport Conducts Full-Scale Emergency Drill

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) has conducted a full-scale emergency exercise as part of its 2025 fiscal year preparedness plan. The drill, codenamed SEMEX–25, aimed to test the airport’s readiness to respond to high-risk incidents in accordance with global safety standards.

The exercise commenced at 09:00 on 17 July, at the airport’s main administration building, presided over by Mr Kittipong Kittikachorn, General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Mr Theerachai Attanavanich, Board Member of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT). The event saw participation from 12 government and private agencies.

Mr Kittipong stated that the primary objective of the exercise was to strengthen operational coordination between agencies and assess the emergency response procedures in the event of a serious incident during aircraft refuelling. The scenario tested the airport’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently, with passenger safety placed at the highest priority.

The simulation involved a mock incident in which a ground vehicle crashed into a hydrant pit before skidding into aircraft flight SM025, operated by the fictional Semex Airways, at stand S126. The impact caused fuel leakage and a subsequent fire, with the aircraft still occupied by passengers and crew. The incident required an immediate full emergency response, containment and evacuation.

The drill tested various aspects of crisis management including emergency notification, fire control, medical assistance, command and control, inter-agency communication and logistical coordination. All operations were required to meet the safety protocols of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

Participating agencies included the Samut Prakan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, Immigration Division 2, Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd., Thai Airways International Plc, Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS) and Thai Aviation Fuel Plc. Each played a critical role in simulating a realistic and unified emergency response.

“This drill reflects our airport’s ongoing commitment to maintaining world-class safety standards,” said Mr Kittipong. “Thanks to the dedication of all involved agencies, the exercise ran smoothly and achieved its objectives. It reinforces our ability to manage unforeseen incidents swiftly and effectively.”

Suvarnabhumi Airport conducts such emergency simulations annually to ensure systematic and efficient crisis preparedness. The exercise not only enhances internal readiness but also builds public and international confidence in the airport’s capability to provide a safe and secure travel environment.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-18