PANGLAO, BOHOL — Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), the Philippines’ “Green Gateway to the World” and operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airports, successfully conducted its biennial full-scale emergency simulation exercise last April 24, 2026, reinforcing BPIA’s commitment to operational readiness, passenger safety, and seamless emergency coordination.
The simulation exercise, dubbed BEACON2026 (Bohol Emergency Airport Coordination Operations Network 2026), represents the collective strength, discipline, and coordination among airport stakeholders in safeguarding the traveling public at the country’s tenth-busiest gateway. The exercise also adopted a fiesta theme in celebration of the local festivities taking place in Bohol.
“Preparedness is at the core of Bohol-Panglao International Airport’s safety and resilience. Through exercises like BEACON2026, we continuously strengthen our systems, sharpen coordination among stakeholders, and ensure that our teams are capable of responding swiftly and effectively to any emergency scenario. These drills are essential in maintaining the trust and confidence of the traveling public,” said BPIA General Manager Aldwin C. Uy.
The large-scale exercise forms part of BPIA’s compliance with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) standards and international aviation safety protocols. It serves as a critical assessment of the airport’s emergency response systems, including Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, medical response units, rescue and recovery teams, and the effectiveness of the Airport Emergency Plan.
“Exercises such as BEACON2026 demonstrate the importance of unified action among government agencies, airport operators, and emergency responders. This level of coordination ensures that Bohol-Panglao International Airport remains compliant with global aviation standards while fostering a culture of preparedness and operational excellence,” said CAAP BPIA Manager Anghelo B. Ibañez.
The Simulation Scenario
BEACON2026 simulated an aircraft emergency scenario involving a mock narrow-body commercial aircraft that encountered a runway “excursion” upon landing. The exercise tested the coordinated response of BPIA personnel, airline partners, local government units, medical institutions, and national agencies operating under the airport’s Mutual Aid Emergency Agreement.
The exercise was also joined by key stakeholders including CAAP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Office of Civil Defense, Provincial Government of Bohol, Municipal Government of Panglao, nearby hospitals, and airline partners operating at BPIA.
Regular flight operations at BPIA continued without disruption throughout the exercise. Designated staging, treatment, and command areas were carefully selected to minimize impact on passenger movement and airport activities.
Building on a Unified Standard of Excellence
BEACON2026 at BPIA follows similar emergency preparedness initiatives across AIC Airports, including the recent full-scale simulation exercise at Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental.
These coordinated efforts reflect AIC Airports’ broader commitment to fostering a unified standard of safety, resilience, and operational excellence across its growing portfolio of regional gateways.
By cultivating a strong culture of preparedness and collaboration, BPIA continues to strengthen its role as a secure, reliable, and world-class gateway to Bohol and the rest of the Philippines, ensuring that while emergencies may be unpredictable, BPIA and its partners remain ready to respond at all times.
