Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport conducted a fire drill late last night to enhance its response time and better prepare for emergencies, Xinhua news agency reported on December 12.

The exercise started at 10:30pm and simulated a blaze at the entrance of a boarding bridge and the rescue of passengers, Xinhua said.

"China's General Administration of Civil Aviation requires one such drill every two years in Shanghai's airports," said an official with the airport. "We're keen on enhancing the response time in case of a real emergency."

"It's a good practice to keep the airport headquarters, public security, fire crews and medical teams in sync," said the official.

The Hongqiao International Airport is no longer operating international departures and landings since the city's other airport, Pudong International Airport, took over the duties in 2002.

Photograph: Firefighters are putting out a simulated blaze at the entrance of a boarding bridge in a fire drill in Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport on December 11.