Latest Mackay Airport News

Emergency services put to the test at Mackay Airport

Firefighters treat the "injured" during an emergency exercise at Mackay Airport today.

Emergency services personnel and Mackay Port Authority staff went on full alert today during a crash exercise at Mackay Airport.

Exercise Bird Strike One put emergency services response and co-ordination procedures under the microscope.

Mackay Airport operations manager Ray Waters said more than 150 people were involved in the exercise - based on the crash landing of a passenger jet after it struck a flock of birds.

Mr Waters said the exercise also gave the airport an opportunity to test its emergency disaster plans.

Overall things went well, but we are currently working through a few areas that can be further enhanced, he said.

Response times were satisfactory and people followed procedures.

Mr Waters said a major debrief would be held this afternoon.