Fraport Greece: Full-Scale Emergency Exercise at Thessaloniki Airport

Fraport Greece, the operator of 14 regional airports in Greece, recently conducted a successful full-scale emergency exercise at Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” in collaboration with various relevant bodies. The exercise was designed to evaluate and enhance the operational response to an aircraft accident occurring off the airport grounds.

The scenario simulated a serious aircraft accident, prompting the immediate activation of the Airport’s Emergency Response Plan. This response involved the swift initiation of relevant operational procedures, including rescue operations, first aid, and passenger evacuation. The exercise demonstrated exceptional coordination among all participating entities.

Simultaneously, the Airport Crisis Management Center was activated to oversee the coordination of the incident. Reception centers were set up for uninjured passengers and crew to provide support to the victims.

Focus on interoperability and collaboration

The main objective of the exercise was to assess the collaboration and interoperability of all entities involved in handling such a crisis. By analyzing these factors, Fraport Greece aimed to identify areas for improvement and further strengthen its emergency response protocols.

“We consider the successful execution of this full-scale exercise at Thessaloniki Airport ‘Makedonia’ to be of critical importance for the safety of both airports and flights,” said Fraport Greece Chief Operations Officer (COO) Panagiotis Spyratos. “Through collaboration with our partners, we ensure that we are fully prepared to respond to emergencies effectively.”

Ongoing commitment to safety and security

Spyratos highlighted that the exercise is part of Fraport Greece’s broader strategic plan, which focuses on maintaining high safety standards across the 14 regional airports it manages. The plan includes continuous infrastructure upgrades, alignment with European and international operational standards, and ongoing personnel training.

“This plan is implemented continuously at our airports and is integral to maintaining the highest safety standards for passengers and the entire air transportation system,” he added.

The exercise saw active participation from various agencies and organizations, including the Hellenic Police, the Fire Department, the National Center for Immediate Assistance, the Health Operations Center, and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), among others. The exercise also involved the Air Traffic Control Tower, ground handling services, and security providers at the airport.

Additionally, 110 students from several educational institutions, including IEK EKAB, SAEK of Thermi, SAEK of the Ministry of Tourism, IEK DELTA, and IEK AKMI, took part in the exercise. These students simulated the roles of passengers and their families, adding a realistic element to the scenario.

More about the emergency exercise can seen on the following video.