Melbourne Orlando International Airport to Conduct Mass Casualty Incident Exercise Thursday Morning

will test emergency response capabilities of airport staff, first responder agencies

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA—The Melbourne Orlando International Airport will conduct a full-scale mass casualty incident exercise on Thursday, February 27, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The drill, mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration every three years, will test the emergency response capabilities of airport staff and local first responder agencies.

Approximately 15 local agencies will participate in the exercise, with around 70 volunteers acting as “victims” and “family members.”

Emergency personnel, including police, fire, and rescue teams, will respond to the simulated disaster scenario on the airport tarmac, providing a realistic training environment for handling a potential crisis.

Officials emphasize that this is a routine, scheduled training exercise, and the public should not be alarmed by emergency vehicles, personnel movements, or realistic-sounding radio transmissions that may be heard during the event.

The exercise will occur off Ed Foster Road near the Airport Operations Building.

The FAA mandates these full-scale emergency drills to ensure that airports and emergency response teams are prepared for real-life mass casualty incidents. These exercises help identify strengths and areas for improvement in emergency coordination, ensuring the highest level of safety for travelers and the local community.

Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Melbourne Orlando International Airport serves as a key transportation hub for Central Florida.

Similar Stories