Emergency services attend Prestwick Airport for response drill on 'aircraft incident'


Emergency services are attending Prestwick Airport today to take part in one of Scotland's largest major incident response drills.

Crews from multiple agencies including police, fire service and ambulance teams will all take part in carrying out a live response to an 'aircraft incident' at the Ayrshire travel hub.

The exercise will be Scotland's largest live play response that has taken place since the Covid-19 pandemic and will be held for six hours.

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A huge emergency response is at Prestwick Airport for a training exercise
A huge emergency response is at Prestwick Airport for a training exercise -Credit:Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post

The drill will test Glasgow Prestwick Airport's ability to deal with an 'aircraft incident'. Joining emergency crews will be South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Ayrshire College, UK Border Force, SEPA and other agencies.

Pictures from the scene show emergency crews assess an empty fuselage shell which is sitting near to the runway. Images show teams in high-vis suits entering the wingless shell.

Members of the public have been warned of increased activity of emergency services around the airport whilst the drill takes place from 10am until 4pm today.

The empty fuselage on the runway
The empty fuselage on the runway -Credit:Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post

An official statement posted by Glasgow Prestwick Airport said: "Glasgow Prestwick Airport is participating in a live play exercise today, Wednesday, 30 October 2024 from 10:00 until 16:00, to test the Airport and multi-agency partners response to an aircraft incident at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. This exercise has been classed as Scotland’s largest live play exercise post-pandemic, following an incredible response of support from partner agencies and volunteers.

"The exercise has been planned in conjunction with a number of partner organisations including Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service, South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Ayrshire College, UKBF, SEPA, plus other agencies.

"Exercises are routinely carried out by emergency response organisations to ensure that the appropriate response mechanisms are in place. This is also an opportunity to up-skill our staff and to enhance our partnership working with emergency services and other key agencies.

"There may be increased activity from the emergency services in and around Glasgow Prestwick Airport, but this should not impact the local community and is an important part of our commitment to keeping our staff, customers, and the public safe."

Prestwick Airport previously held an emergency exercise in January 2020.

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