NEW Naia Infra Corp. said on Sunday the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) has met International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) standards for emergency response after its teams reached a simulated crash site in under three minutes during a major drill over the weekend.
According to the San Miguel Corp.-led company, the response time meets Icao’s requirements for aircraft rescue and firefighting services, which mandate that airport emergency teams reach the midpoint of the farthest runway within three minutes under optimal conditions.
NNIC conducted the Crash Rescue Exercise (CREX) 2025 on October 17 to test coordination and emergency response capabilities across airport units and partner agencies.
More than 600 participants took part in the 51-minute drill.
The exercise simulated an aircraft carrying 120 passengers and six crew members that ingested foreign object debris on the runway, causing engine damage, a fuel leak, and fire.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) and the Airline Operators Council (AOC) supervised and evaluated the simulation, assessing how responders communicated, coordinated, and established command structures under pressure in accordance with global aviation safety protocols.
NNIC’s Rescue and Firefighting Service led the operation, supported by the airport’s Medical Services, Operations, Security Group, and Aerodrome Safety and Wildlife Hazard Management Office. The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa), the Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection units from nearby cities also participated.
Medical and disaster response teams from the Philippine Red Cross, Metro Manila Development Authority, and several hospitals joined the drill, while Philippine Airlines activated its CARE team and Survivor Reception Area to assist in passenger management.