Bhubaneswar- In a strong display of preparedness and coordination, Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar conducted a full-scale emergency mock drill on Monday to evaluate its response mechanisms in the event of a major aviation disaster.
The simulation, organized in the wake of the recent Ahmedabad air crash, recreated a high-stress scenario involving an Airbus A321 carrying 222 passengers. According to officials, the drill portrayed an emergency landing after an engine fire warning, followed by a crash within the airport boundary. The mock crash led to multiple fire outbreaks and casualties spread across a 500-metre radius.
Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan stated that the exercise was aimed at thoroughly testing the airport’s crisis handling capabilities, as well as the coordination between various emergency agencies.
More than 200 personnel from 11 different organizations took part in the operation, including Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Odisha Fire Services, CISF, Odisha Police, NDRF, medical teams, and airline staff. The simulation used realistic features such as fire tenders, ambulances, mock victims, stretchers, and temporary medical setups to mirror a real-time disaster situation.
Observers from aviation safety and regulatory agencies were also present to assess the effectiveness of the operation and provide constructive feedback. Pradhan emphasized that such drills are crucial in strengthening inter-agency coordination and ensuring a high level of readiness for any future aviation emergencies.
