On March 7, Hong Kong International Airport conducted a full test of contingency measures and the coordinated response in handling infectious diseases in the morning. The exercise represented a joint effort by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), the Department of Health and other related Hong Kong SAR Government departments, airlines and the airport community.

Beginning at around 0100 hours, the exercise - codenamed Tai Shan - simulated an arriving Cathay Pacific flight carrying 56 passengers and five crew members. As part of the exercise, the airline reported that a sick passenger was onboard the flight, suspected to be suffering from avian flu symptoms. As the sick passenger was considered to be a possible human case of avian flu, the aircraft was isolated and disinfected, while passengers and crew members were put under quarantine by the Department of Health.

The Airport Emergency Centre was immediately activated to coordinate contingency procedures. While the sick passenger was transported to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment, other passengers and crew members were escorted to designated isolation areas for further assessment and subsequent management. The exercise stood down at around 0600 hours.

The AAHK's Airport Management Director Howard Eng said, "Recent human cases of avian flu reported in the region indicate that the disease remains a threat to public health. Therefore, we must remain vigilant against the possible occurrence and spread of infectious diseases at the airport. This exercise presented an excellent opportunity for all relevant parties to practice our contingency procedures and collaborative responses in the event of an avian flu incident."

Over 300 personnel from 14 organisations - as well as local, Mainland and overseas observers - participated in the exercise. In addition, Cathay Pacific provided an aircraft and crew staff for the exercise.

The AAHK holds about 30 drills every year to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the airport's contingency response mechanism, and to ensure that the airport community is well prepared to handle emergency situations. Detailed reviews and assessments are conducted following each drill, and further enhancements are made as necessary.

Participating Organisations:

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK)
Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO)

Hong Kong SAR Government Departments:

Auxiliary Medical Service
Civil Aviation Department
Customs & Excise Department
Department of Health
Fire Services Department (Ambulance Command)
Hong Kong Police Force
Hospital Authority
Immigration Department

Business Partners:

Cathay Pacific Airways
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Ltd (HAECO)
Hong Kong Airport Services Limited (HAS)