Long Beach Airport Conducts Triennial Exercise to Test Emergency Response

Long Beach Airport Conducts Triennial Exercise to Test Emergency Response

Contact:
Darrick Lee
562.570.2678
[email protected]
Airport Public Affairs Officer
Long Beach Airport

Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Airport (LGB) conducted a full-scale emergency response drill on the evening of Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. The triennial preparedness exercise, which is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) every three years, tested the Airport's emergency response procedures, coordination and readiness in the event of an aircraft accident.

"Long Beach Airport's Triennial emergency exercise is a valuable opportunity for our local agencies to work together, test our response plans and strengthen the partnerships that are critical during an actual emergency," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "I appreciate everyone who dedicated their time and expertise to making this exercise a success."

Commercial airports, such as LGB, are required by the FAA to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years to maintain their Part 139 Airport Certification, which allows commercial passenger flights to operate from the Airport. This year, LGB conducted the Triennial exercise during evening hours, providing an opportunity to test the Airport's emergency response capabilities under nighttime conditions and prepare for emergencies in a variety of circumstances.

The exercise provided an opportunity for LGB to test components of its Airport Emergency Plan alongside local, state and federal agencies, first responders, airline partners and other participating organizations, including the Long Beach Fire and Police Departments, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications Department, FAA Air Traffic Control Tower, Long Beach Search and Rescue, American Red Cross, Dignity Health St. Mary's Medical Center, Long Beach Transit, Long Beach VA Hospital, U.S. Air Force Reserves and ambulance services.

The drill was observed and evaluated by the FAA and peer agencies. Following the exercise, after-action reports and recommendations will be used to identify opportunities for improvement. Those recommendations will be incorporated into future updates to the Airport's emergency response plan.

More than 400 participants took part in the simulated emergency scenario, which included use of an MD-80 aircraft fuselage and a fire trainer. Participants portrayed a variety of roles, including emergency responders, Airport personnel, airline employees, simulated victims and victim family members. Responders and Airport staff were evaluated on their ability to coordinate, communicate and respond effectively throughout the exercise.

"Safety and preparedness are at the heart of everything we do at Long Beach Airport, and the Triennial Exercise provides a valuable opportunity to practice, learn, and test our emergency response capabilities with our response partners," said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. "Conducting this year's exercise during evening hours also allowed us to prepare for the unique challenges of responding to an emergency at night. While we hope an event like this never occurs, it is critical that we are ready to respond quickly and effectively when called upon."

The exercise did not cause any delays or interruptions to normal Long Beach Airport operations. The Airport's last Triennial Exercise took place on Sept. 20, 2023, and simulated a mass casualty incident involving more than 400 participants and a C-130 military aircraft. Drills vary for each Triennial Exercise.

Officially trademarked as america's coolest airport™, Long Beach Airport offers a distinctively stress-free travel experience and exceptional customer service, conveniently located between Los Angeles and Orange counties. LGB currently offers nonstop service to 21 airports nationwide through Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Learn more at lgb.org.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.