Bohol-Panglao International Airport has completed a large-scale emergency simulation exercise as passenger traffic continues to rise, underscoring the growing importance of safety and operational resilience at one of the country’s busiest tourism gateways.
The airport, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital, staged BEACON2026, a full-scale drill simulating a runway excursion involving a narrow-body commercial aircraft. The exercise mobilized airport personnel, airline partners, hospitals, local governments, and national emergency agencies in a coordinated response designed to test crisis management capabilities.
The drill comes as Bohol’s tourism industry continues to expand, placing greater pressure on airports to maintain world-class safety standards while handling increasing passenger volumes.
“Preparedness is at the core of Bohol-Panglao International Airport’s safety and resilience,” said Aldwin Uy., BPIA genera manager. “These exercises strengthen our response capabilities and ensure that all stakeholders can act quickly and effectively when emergencies occur.”
The simulation served as a key compliance requirement under regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and international aviation safety standards. It evaluated the readiness of fire and rescue units, medical teams, recovery personnel, and airport command systems under a high-pressure scenario.
Industry observers note that as regional airports become increasingly important drivers of tourism and economic activity, emergency preparedness is evolving from a regulatory obligation into a competitive advantage. A strong safety record helps boost traveler confidence, attract airline investments, and support long-term growth.
“Exercises such as BEACON2026 demonstrate the value of unified action among airport operators, government agencies, and emergency responders,” said Anghelo Ibañez, CAAP BPIA manager.
Despite the large-scale simulation, regular flights continued uninterrupted, highlighting the airport’s ability to balance operational efficiency with safety preparedness.
The exercise follows a similar drill at Laguindingan International Airport as Aboitiz InfraCapital moves to standardize safety and emergency response capabilities across its growing airport network.
