Major emergency exercise at Eglinton airport

A spokesperson said: “This is an bi annual training exercise required by the Civil Aviation Authority and is carried out in partnership with local emergency services including the NIFRS, the NIAS, the MCA, Western Health & Social Care Trust, British Red Cross, the University of Ulster School of nursing and North West Regional College.”

The exercise will start at noon and last until around 4pm.

“The purpose of the exercise is to test CODA’s emergency & safety capability in response to an incident involving an aircraft,” the spokesperson added.

“During the exercise there will be approximately three airport Fire Appliances and seven NIFRs Fire Appliances (including Specialists Appliances) in the vicinity of the airport.

“A response by NIAS and the MCA will also be anticipated. Response vehicles may be transiting to and from the airport during these times.

“The airport will be running the exercise outside of normal operational hours.

“The public can be assured that emergency Fire & Rescue cover will not be affected during this time,” the spokesperson explained.