A full-scale emergency exercise named "Hunga Airways 2022" was held at Fua‘amotu International Airport on 30 September, in response to a scenario that imagined the aftermath of an aircraft emergency.

Over 100 emergency operators and airport emergency responders took part in this biennial exercise, aimed at establishing better communication flow between key role players, test their access control and identify procedures to achieve expected outcomes.

Tonga Police stated that it was important to role play in the most realistic scenario possible. 

The exercise was designed to demonstrate a joint agency response in the immediate aftermath of an aircraft emergency, in accordance with the Airport Emergency Plan and Supporting Agencies’ Emergency Response plans, with consideration to COVID-19.

The joint agency objectives thoroughly tested emergency procedures and responses and included participants, who would be called upon in the event of a major aircraft incident at the airport. 

Meanwhile, the exercise involved a theoretical aircraft that caught fire in its left engine on its way to landing on the runway. Volunteers also played the role of passengers and cabin crew. 

Airport Emergency Responders demonstrated their immediate response to passengers who were critically injured, those with mild injuries, death, and others not injured by the accident.

The exercise also helped test the adequacy of procedures and coordination of emergency service organizations to an airport crisis. 

Participating stakeholders included Tonga Airports Limited (TAL), Tonga Fire Emergency Services, Ministry of Health, Tonga Red Cross, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Air Terminal Services Ltd, Palu Aviation and all operational airlines, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and domestic Lulutai Airlines with Tonga Police.

The last exercise was held in 2019. Last year's exercises were cancelled, due to the COVID-19 restrictions.