Corpus Christi International Airport to Conduct Live Fire Training Exercises

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) will conduct mandatory live fire training exercises from March 2 through March 6 to ensure the highest level of emergency readiness. While training activities are scheduled throughout the week, a full-scale simulation will take place on Thursday, March 5th, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

During these training periods, travelers and residents in the surrounding area may notice smoke, controlled flames, and an increased presence of emergency vehicles near the airfield. CCIA officials want to reassure the public that these activities are part of a strictly controlled safety exercise and do not indicate a real emergency. All scheduled flight operations will continue as usual without interruption.

This drill, which happens every three years, is a critical requirement mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel maintain their certifications.

By practicing in a high-heat, real-world environment, first responders can hone their skills in specialized aircraft fire suppression and fuel-fire tactics that cannot be replicated through classroom study alone.

Beyond meeting federal regulations, these exercises allow CCIA and its Coastal Bend partners to test rapid response times and facilitate vital communication between different agencies. By simulating complex scenarios together, the airport and regional first responders ensure they can act as a single, synchronized team. This collaborative training strengthens the relationships and protocols necessary to maintain a safe environment for the thousands of passengers who travel through South Texas every day.

This training is not open to the public.

For more information, media representatives may contact Lacey Guzman, CCIA Marketing Manager, at (361) 826-1290 or laceyg@cctexas.com.