Insider Spotlight
The big picture
The drill, conducted last Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 by the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) — the consortium operating the airport — tested coordination and crisis response across multiple airport units and government agencies.
It simulated an aircraft carrying 120 passengers and six crew that ingested foreign object debris on the runway, causing engine failure, a fuel leak, and fire.
The 51-minute exercise involved more than 600 responders and was supervised by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Airline Operators Council (AOC).
Why it matters
In a statement, NNIC said the exercise marked the first major test of its integrated emergency protocols since it took over NAIA operations in September 2024 under a public-private partnership with the government. Meeting ICAO’s three-minute benchmark underscores the consortium’s commitment to align the country’s main gateway with international safety standards.
The details
NNIC’s rescue and firefighting service, medical services, operations, security group, and aerodrome safety and wildlife hazard management office led the coordinated response. They were joined by the Manila International Airport Authority, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection teams from nearby cities.
Medical and disaster support came from the Philippine Red Cross, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and several hospitals. Philippine Airlines also activated its CARE team and Survivor Reception Area to assist in managing simulated passengers.
What’s next
CAAP and AOC evaluators are expected to issue their post-exercise assessments to fine-tune NAIA’s emergency protocols. The results will form part of NNIC’s broader plan to upgrade airport safety infrastructure and operational readiness under private management.
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
