The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced that it will conduct a full-scale emergency simulation exercise at the Accra International Airport on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The exercise, dubbed “FALCON EYE, 2026,” is scheduled to take place from 9:00 am to 12 noon and aims to test the airport's preparedness to respond effectively to emergencies. This exercise is a mandatory requirement by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Ghana Civil Aviation Directives (GCAD).
The exercise will assess the adequacy of the airport's Contingency and Aerodrome Emergency Plans, while evaluating the readiness and coordination of agencies involved in emergency response. According to GACL, the exercise will simulate an act of unlawful interference targeting airport operations and facilities, followed by a coordinated response from various emergency and security agencies. The Emergency Operations Centre will also be involved in the exercise, which is being conducted in line with ICAO provisions that call for an aerodrome emergency plan to be tested through a full-scale emergency exercise at intervals not exceeding two years.
An Exercise Planning Team comprising representatives from GACL, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Army, and Ghana Police Service has been tasked with planning and conducting the exercise. The team will ensure that the exercise is carried out smoothly and safely, with minimal disruption to normal airport operations. GACL has assured the public that there will be minimal disruption to normal airport operations during the exercise and that emergency and security response units will be activated.
A current aviation notice indicates that increased movement of emergency vehicles and security personnel is expected within operational areas, but no impact on normal flight operations is anticipated. Management of GACL and other stakeholders have appealed to the public for their cooperation to ensure the exercise is successfully conducted. The exercise is a critical component of the airport's emergency preparedness plan, and it will help identify areas for improvement.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited has stated that the exercise is a mandatory requirement by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Ghana Civil Aviation Directives (GCAD). ICAO provisions call for an aerodrome emergency plan to be tested through a full-scale emergency exercise at intervals not exceeding two years. The last exercise of this nature was conducted two years ago, and it is time for the airport to test its emergency preparedness plan again.
The exercise will evaluate the readiness and coordination of agencies involved in emergency response, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Army, and other security agencies. The exercise will also assess the airport's ability to respond to emergencies and minimize disruption to normal airport operations. GACL has assured the public that the exercise will be conducted safely and with minimal disruption.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited has urged the public to cooperate with them during the exercise and to be aware of the increased movement of emergency vehicles and security personnel within operational areas. The exercise will help ensure that the airport is prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and minimize disruption to normal airport operations.
Key points
- The exercise aims to test the airport's preparedness to respond effectively to emergencies.
- The exercise will assess the adequacy of the airport's Contingency and Aerodrome Emergency Plans.
- The exercise is a mandatory requirement by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Ghana Civil Aviation Directives (GCAD).
