Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00.

The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana International Airport, State Police, Albcontrol, the civil aviation safety investigation authority, the National Medical Emergency Centre, fire and rescue services, and the Albanian Red Cross. The scenario involves an aircraft leaving the runway and crashing outside the airport perimeter. Teams will test emergency procedures, coordination and the evacuation and rescue of passengers and crew.

The Ministry of Defence said residents may notice more emergency vehicles near the airport during the drill. It stressed that the exercise is planned and no real emergency is taking place. The drill aims to improve operational readiness, strengthen cooperation among participating institutions and reinforce national capacity to respond to civil aviation emergencies.

/a.p./