Mock Drill Simulates Aviation Crisis at Pune Airport – A full-scale emergency drill was conducted as per DGCA norms to test crisis readiness.
Multi-Agency Participation – Over 330 personnel from IAF, NDRF, CISF, airlines, hospitals, and civic bodies participated in the coordinated response.
Realistic Simulation with Dummy Aircraft – Smoke in the cockpit scenario was staged using a passenger coach; agencies responded with firefighting, medical rescue, and evacuation operations.
Pune, 21 July 2025: Pune Airport successfully conducted a full-scale emergency mock drill on Saturday as part of its Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP), following the guidelines laid out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aim was to evaluate the readiness and coordination among various agencies during a simulated aviation crisis.
The drill recreated a scenario where smoke was detected in the cockpit of a dummy incoming aircraft. On receiving the alert, airport authorities immediately activated the emergency protocol and informed all relevant stakeholders. A passenger coach was used to replicate an aircraft for greater realism.
Emergency response units swiftly set up key centres including the Emergency Control Centre, Operations Centre, and reception zones for survivors, crew, and relatives. A dedicated Media Centre was also established to handle information flow.
Firefighting teams from the Indian Air Force’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFF), as well as fire brigades from PMC, PMRDA, and PCMC, were mobilized to contain the fire and evacuate passengers. Medical teams from the Airport Health Organization, local hospitals, and the district health department provided first aid and transported mock-injured individuals to designated facilities.
Around 330 personnel participated in the exercise, representing a broad range of agencies, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI), CISF, Immigration, ground handling companies, NDRF, civil defence, local police, and the district administration.
The Airport Director praised the joint effort and smooth coordination among the agencies involved. Observers and evaluators also provided feedback and suggestions to further enhance emergency response capabilities at the airport.
