BIA emergency exercise highlights safety measures

The Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) in co-operation with its partners and Gulf Air marked the successful conclusion of Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) 16th full-scale emergency exercise, demonstrating co-ordination among diverse stakeholders to handle crisis scenarios and the execution of the Airport Emergency Plan.

The bi-annual exercise plays a major role in improving overall airport safety by accessing the capabilities, readiness, and effectiveness of BIA’s emergency and rescue services. This year’s mock crisis simulation was centered on a cargo apron fire causing different types of injuries. A full-scale emergency alert was activated and teams from BAC and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) took coordinated action to achieve a successful outcome.

The exercise involved 180 participants, including actors playing the part of injured passengers, eight ambulances, and three helicopters. BAC Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and coordination of this exercise for the spirit of teamwork, and all participating agencies for exhibiting the highest levels of professionalism.

“With just months to go until the inauguration of the new Passenger Terminal Building, this was the most significant drill to date. “It provided an excellent opportunity for all to test procedures, roles, and responsibilities before key changes regarding emergency planning will be implemented through the new terminal’s Operations Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials.”