The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) will host large-scale emergency exercises at the Phnom Penh International Airport this Friday, said its spokesman Chea Aun.

“The large-scale exercises are conducted every two years. The purpose is to provide training to negate risks from emergencies, and prevent security issues and concerns arising from aeroplane crashes and engine failures,” he said.

Members of the armed forces will participate in the drill, accompanied by planes, fire trucks, ambulances and armoured vehicles.

Last month, the Siem Reap International Airport hosted a separate exercise for the purpose of training relevant institutions to ensure victims are rescued in a timely fashion in case of an accident.

During the drills, fuel and old tyres were burned to simulate crash conditions, while fire trucks and hospitals practised response techniques.

An SSCA notice dated December 31 last year and directed to Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith called on the public not to be alarmed when the Phnom Penh airport exercises take place.

“I have the honour to respectfully inform His Excellency Minister [Kanharith] that as per the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which requires member states to conduct large-scale exercises every two years in the vicinity of [airports], a large-scale exercise will be held on January 10, 2020, at the Phnom Penh International Airport,” Aun said in the notice.