Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) is holding an airport-wide emergency response exercise on Thursday, Oct. 17 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Only authorized personnel will be admitted into the exercise area at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) during the exercise.

VAA confirmed airport operations will not be impacted by the exercise, but travellers should expect increased activity throughout the airport.

According to a YYJ media advisory, the exercise will simulate a major aircraft accident and an act of unlawful interference, testing the effectiveness of the airportB次元官网网址檚 emergency response plan.

Firefighting, policing and medical services crews from Sidney and North Saanich along with airport partners such as NAV Canada and RCMP will all be participating in the exercise.

Transport Canada regulations require that these exercises be conducted every two years.

Arrivals and departures, check-in, pre-board screening and flight schedules will continue as usual.