Tauranga Airport is running an emergency response training exercise this morning, Saturday, May 6, as a part of regular validation testing of the Airport's Emergency Plan.

"This controlled exercise is held bi-annually and involves multiple agencies practising their response capabilities," says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"Today's exercise is based on a water rescue scenario, and public near the airport may see emergency responders in the estuary area south of the airport."

The exercise starts at 8.30am and will run until approximately 12pm depending on the weather.

"Flights in and out of the airport are unaffected."