On May 10, 2025, from 8:25 pm to 8:45 pm, Pune Airport authorities carried out a full-scale emergency blackout drill. During this period, all lighting and power systems at the airport were deliberately switched off to simulate a real-life power failure scenario. As a result:
Flights Circling in the Air: Incoming flights were instructed to hover above the airport for 20–30 minutes until normal operations resumed, ensuring safety during the blackout period.
Suspension of Ground Operations: All ground services, including aircraft servicing and baggage handling, were paused during the drill.
Passenger Confusion: Initially, the sudden blackout led to confusion among passengers at the terminal. However, regular announcements were made to keep everyone informed and calm.
The emergency blackout drill was a pre-planned exercise designed to:
Test Preparedness: Assess the airport’s readiness and response in the event of a critical power outage or similar emergency.
Improve Coordination: Strengthen communication and coordination between airport authorities, airlines, air traffic control, and emergency responders.
Identify Gaps: Highlight strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement in emergency protocols.
Authorities emphasized that this was a routine safety measure and not a response to any real threat.
Airlines, air traffic control, and other stakeholders were notified about the drill in advance. Airport staff were briefed on objectives and procedures, and passengers were informed through announcements before and during the blackout. Medical teams were kept ready throughout the drill to handle any emergencies. Regular updates and clear instructions helped maintain order and minimize panic among passengers. According to Airport Director Santosh Dhoke, the drill was completed smoothly without any major issues or safety incidents.
While the blackout drill itself lasted only 20 minutes, its timing and the temporary suspension of operations led to some flight delays. Additionally, five IndiGo flights were cancelled earlier in the day due to Operation Sindoor and related airspace restrictions, further impacting airport schedules.
The successful completion of the emergency blackout drill demonstrated Pune Airport’s ability to handle crisis situations efficiently. The exercise highlighted both strengths and areas where procedures can be refined, ensuring even greater preparedness for real emergencies in the future.