The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced plans to conduct a full-scale emergency simulation exercise at the Accra International Airport on October 15, 2026. The exercise, dubbed "FALCON EYE 2026," aims to test the airport's preparedness to respond to emergencies. Scheduled to take place between 9:00 am and 12 noon, the simulation will assess the adequacy of the airport's Contingency and Aerodrome Emergency Plans.
According to GACL, the exercise is being conducted in line with the Ghana Civil Aviation Directives (GCAD) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices. These regulations require Ghana to undertake a full-scale emergency exercise at least once every two years. The exercise will simulate an act of unlawful interference targeting airport operations and facilities, followed by a coordinated response from relevant emergency and security agencies.
The response will involve various agencies, including personnel of the Emergency Operations Centre. An Exercise Planning Team comprising representatives from GACL, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Army, and Ghana Police Service has been responsible for planning and conducting the exercise. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the simulation is realistic and effective in testing the airport's emergency response plans.
GACL has assured passengers and the general public that the simulation will result in minimal interruptions to normal airport operations. Management of the airport and participating stakeholders have consequently appealed to the public for their cooperation during the exercise. The airport's management has also assured that all necessary measures have been put in place to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth exercise.
The exercise forms part of Ghana's efforts to maintain and test its emergency preparedness and ensure that relevant agencies can effectively coordinate their response in the event of a real emergency at the country's main international airport. The simulation will also provide an opportunity for the airport's emergency response teams to test their skills and equipment in a realistic and controlled environment.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited has emphasized the importance of the exercise in enhancing the airport's safety and security. The exercise will help identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for enhancing the airport's emergency response plans. This will ultimately contribute to the safety and well-being of passengers and airport staff.
The exercise is expected to be a success, with all stakeholders working together to ensure a realistic and effective simulation. The Ghana Airports Company Limited has expressed its gratitude to all participating agencies and stakeholders for their support and cooperation in planning and conducting the exercise.
Key points
- The exercise aims to test the airport's preparedness to respond to emergencies and assess the adequacy of its Contingency and Aerodrome Emergency Plans.
- The simulation will involve various agencies, including personnel of the Emergency Operations Centre, and will be conducted in line with international regulations and standards.
- The exercise is expected to result in minimal interruptions to normal airport operations, and the airport's management has appealed to the public for their cooperation during the exercise.
