TAV Macedonia and the Ministry of Interior Affairs Conducted an Emergency and Contingency Simulation Exercise at Skopje International Airport
TAV Macedonia, TAV Airports’ subsidiary, and the Ministry of Interior Affairs, today, March 9th, successfully conducted a full-scale emergency and contingency simulation exercise at Skopje International Airport.
Today’s full-scale contingency simulation exercise aimed to test the real-time response and efficiency of the emergency and contingency plans, coordination, communication, and preparedness of all concerned parties and to ensure that the highest standards of safety and security are met.
The simulation exercise, organized by the airport operator, TAV Macedonia, all related Skopje International Airport departments thereof, and the Ministry of Interior Affairs, and supported and conducted in coordination with the national aviation-related emergency and contingency response authorities, simulated a contingency situation with a high-value consignment, hostages and IED explosion followed by indoor fire in import warehouse of TAV Macedonia Cargo Center. The simulation exercise provided a realistic, hands-on opportunity to assess and evaluate the rapid response coordination and the effectiveness of the inter-institutional coordination among Skopje Airport departments, Ministry of Interior Affairs, local and national emergency departments, and other stakeholders.
“Today we are witnessing a joint simulation exercise of TAV Macedonia airport security department and MoIA special police forces – an event of exceptional importance for the safety of Skopje International Airport and passengers. This exercise demonstrates preparedness, coordination, and professionalism in dealing with potential threats. The high level of training, speed of response, and cooperation between the services are key to protecting airport safety and aviation security. This is not just training – this is a pledge of safety, trust, and successful prevention. Thanks to all participants for their dedication and professionalism. TAV Macedonia continues to invest in training and modernization to maintain the highest standards of safety and security.”, stated Pero Lupevski, TAV Macedonia Deputy General Manager-Operations.
“Through the simulation of a hostage crisis scenario, we practically test the capacities of institutions at the national level, and we also test the level of preparedness and responsiveness of the services, of government institutions as stakeholders, and of the airport operator TAV Macedonia. The exercise took place at an exceptionally professional level, with appropriate speed and response time. The security of such vital infrastructure facilities and each individual is of crucial importance for us as the police, because all that, by strengthening and following the protocols for this matter and their implementation, maps us as a country, but also the airport, at a high European and even global level.”, stated Aleksandar Janev, Director General of the Public Security Bureau at MoIA.
The simulation exercise involves complex contingency situations, including potential safety and security threats, to test all related rapid response, medical response, crisis communications, and safety and security protocols, and evaluate the efficiency of the airport’s emergency and contingency plans, communication protocols, and coordination among multiple involved participants.
This regular full-scale emergency and contingency simulation exercise is part of TAV Macedonia’s commitment to upholding regulatory requirements and continuously improving crisis management strategies. Insights gained from the exercise will be used to refine training programs, update emergency and contingency procedures, further enhance passenger and staff safety and security, and strengthen cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Interior Affairs.