Pakistan Airports Authority Conducts Successful Full-Scale Emergency Exercise at Islamabad International Airport

The Islamabad International Airport conducted a large-scale airport emergency exercise in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices to assess the preparedness, coordination, and operational readiness of all emergency response agencies at the airport. The exercise simulated a major aircraft accident involving an Airbus A320, followed by a mock aviation fuel fire to make it appear as close to a real-life incident as possible.

Key Takeaways:

• The exercise involved simulated response to a major aircraft accident and aviation fuel fire at Islamabad International Airport, assessing the preparedness and coordination of emergency response agencies.
• The Rescue and Fire Fighting Services demonstrated exceptional efficiency by responding within the prescribed ICAO response time, controlling the blaze, and initiating rescue and medical evacuation operations.
• The exercise showcased the integration of military and civilian assets in emergency response, with Army Aviation's MI-17 helicopter conducting an aeromedical evacuation of a critically injured dummy patient.
• The participation of 17 agencies, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airport Security Force (ASF), and Rescue 1122, highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination in responding to aviation emergencies.
• The exercise demonstrated the airport's high state of operational readiness and adherence to ICAO safety standards, with officials commending the professionalism, teamwork, and commitment shown by all stakeholders.
• The exercise was conducted under the supervision and command of Syed Aftab Ali Shah Gilani, Chief Operating Officer / APM, with CFRO Mr. Muhammad Tariq serving as Exercise Coordinator.

Statistics:

• The exercise involved a simulated response to a major aircraft accident and aviation fuel fire.
• The Rescue and Fire Fighting Services responded within 5 minutes of the simulated incident, as per ICAO response time standards.
• The exercise involved the participation of 17 agencies, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Army Aviation, and Rescue 1122.
• A total of 234 personnel from various agencies participated in the exercise.
• The exercise was observed by 15 observers and umpires from CAA, aviation industry, and rescue departments.

Sources:

• Pakistan Airports Authority (n.d.). Pakistan Airports Authority Conducts Successful Full-Scale Emergency Exercise at Islamabad International Airport.