Airport Conducts Exercise on the Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft to Enhance Response Capabilities for Aviation Security Emergencies

To test the effectiveness of Macau International Airport’s emergency plan and enhance the participating agencies’ capabilities in responding to aviation security emergencies, Macau International Airport conducted the “Exercise on the Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft” from 1:00 am to 3:00 am today (27 October). The exercise simulated a scenario in which a passenger aircraft in flight was hijacked by armed individuals on board, who demanded to land at Macau International Airport.

After receiving a report from the aircraft’s captain, the Air Traffic Control Tower of Macau International Airport immediately reported to the Airport Operations Coordination Centre and activated the emergency response plan. The aircraft subsequently landed safely and parked at an isolated aircraft parking stand. The Public Security Police Force acted as the on-site commander and arranged for the Judiciary Police’s negotiation team to negotiate with the hijackers. During the negotiations, the hijackers released some of the passengers as a concession. However, as the negotiations later reached a deadlock, the on-site commander instructed the Special Duty Unit of the Public Security Police Force to launch an assault operation. The operation was successful, resulting in the arrest of the four hijackers and the safe rescue of all hostages.

The aviation security exercise was coordinated by the Public Security Police Force. Participating agencies included the Unitary Police Force, Macao Customs, the Judiciary Police, the Fire Services Bureau, the Health Bureau, the Civil Aviation Authority, CAM – Macau International Airport Company Limited, Air Macau Company Limited, Macau Security Company Limited, and Menzies Macau Airport Services Limited, with a total of 328 participants. The exercise proceeded smoothly and achieved its objectives.

Macau International Airport conducted the “Exercise on the Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft” in the early morning of 27 October 2026 to test the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency plan and the personnel’s capacity to respond to aviation security emergencies.

The exercise proceeded smoothly and achieved its objectives. All passengers and crew members were safely rescued, and the hijackers were arrested.