Rescue services on top at Airport emergency exercise
9 November 2010

Rescue and emergency services and operations ran smoothly as Bahrain International Airport (BIA) carried out a full scale emergency exercise today (Tuesday) north of the runway.

The drill was a tough test of the emergency capabilities and rescue services at BIA, putting the comprehensive Airport Emergency Plan to its paces. The exercise was well planned and coordinated by all agencies concerned with any aircraft accident at Bahrain.

The emergency scenario was that of a dummy aircraft that had crash landed north of the runway as a result of a fire on board the aircraft. Actors played the role of passengers, some unscathed, whilst others were injured and deceased. The accident scenario activated a full scale emergency that involved a coordinated effort to tackle the situation from Bahrain Airport Company, the Civil Aviation Affairs, Health, Interior, Defense and Information Ministries, plus several other organizations, including the National Guard, Bahrain Airport Services, Gulf Air, Bahrain Duty Free and DHL.

The public were informed well in advance so as not to be concerned about the situation and steps were taken to ensure BIA's operations, aircraft and passenger's movement were not affected. Such exercises are held every two years as per the requirements of Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to test and practice the emergency plan that have been drawn up for the Airport.

Led by Bahrain Airport Company for the first time, this exercise reaffirms the commitment of the Airport's operators and stakeholders and the Government authorities' to be well prepared to handle any accidents. It also highlighted the strong levels of coordination and cooperation amongst all those involved to launch a strong and effective team effort.