Long Beach Airport Will Conduct Emergency Drill
Residents may notice smoke, lights, and sirens near the airport on the evening of September 25, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Safety
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Long Beach Airport is scheduled to host a large-scale emergency preparedness drill on September 25, 2026. The simulation will take place between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. and involve volunteer actors, sirens, and smoke.
Why it matters
The drill is conducted to comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, which require airports to perform such exercises every three years. The event tests the response speed and effectiveness of local emergency personnel.
The drill is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration to occur on a three-year cycle. The simulation will run for a two-hour window between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The players
Long Beach Airport
This is a municipal airport serving the Southern California region that hosts both commercial and general aviation traffic.
Federal Aviation Administration
This federal agency is responsible for the safety and regulation of all aspects of civil aviation in the United States.
The details
The exercise will feature realistic simulations including smoke, lights, and sirens, with volunteer actors playing the roles of injured victims. Authorities confirmed the event will occur away from the terminal and drop-off areas, ensuring no impact on aircraft operations or local road access.
Timeline
The emergency drill is scheduled for September 25, 2026.
The simulation will take place from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Seasonal Patterns
This exercise is a direct implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration's Part 139 airport certification requirements. It follows the established industry pattern of conducting full-scale emergency simulations every three years to maintain operational compliance.
Residents near the airport should be aware that lights, sirens, and smoke will be visible during the exercise hours, though the drill poses no actual threat to the public. No roads will be closed, and airport terminal access will remain fully open for travelers.
The takeaway
Periodic emergency drills are essential for maintaining the readiness of municipal infrastructure and ensuring the safety of the flying public. Local communities can rest assured that visible emergency activity during this timeframe is part of a planned safety exercise.
Further reading
Learn more about local emergency procedures by visiting the Safety section.
Live Poll
Do you believe periodic emergency preparedness drills are necessary for local safety in your community?
