Weston College students support emergency services at Bristol Airport.

EIGHTY students supported an emergency exercise at Bristol Airport by acting as passengers on an aircraft involved in a simulated security incident.

Airport staff, police, fire brigade and ambulance staff tested procedures with the Weston College students’ involvement to make the exercise as a realistic as possible.

Bristol Airport’s head of communications, James Gore, said: “The students gave the scenario a realistic edge, which enabled our teams to get the maximum value from the day.”

The Civil Aviation Authority requires licensed locations, where aircrafts take flight, to test its emergency plans and response arrangements at least every two years.

Challenges include ensuring good communication and handling the anticipated high level of media interest if a serious incident occurred.