NNIC stages first full-scale crash drill at NAIA under private management

Metro Manila, Philippines - The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private consortium now operating Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), will conduct its first full-scale crash rescue exercise on Friday, Oct. 17, as part of its continuing efforts to modernize the country’s main gateway and strengthen its emergency readiness.

The drill, called Crash Rescue Exercise (CREX) 2025, will simulate an aircraft accident that involves a departing plane — with 120 passengers and six crew members — that hits debris on the runway. The scenario will result in landing gear and engine damage, a fuel leak, and a post-crash fire, triggering a large-scale emergency response.

It will be held in a secured area of the airfield, far from active runway operations, allowing responders to conduct a realistic full-scale simulation without affecting regular operations.

More than 600 people are set to participate, including the airport’s own rescue, firefighting, medical, and security teams. They will work alongside national and local emergency agencies to manage the simulated crisis. Philippine Airlines is the partner carrier for the exercise.

The full-scale exercise fulfills a critical safety requirement mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and aligns with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).