Bahrain International Airport’s Commitment to Safety Spotlighted During Full-scale Emergency Exercise

2023-03-21

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and its partners marked the successful conclusion of Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) 17th full-scale emergency exercise, demonstrating their ability to handle diverse crisis scenarios and the efficacy of the Aerodrome Emergency Plan. The bi-annual exercise plays a major role in improving overall airport safety by assessing the capabilities, readiness, and effectiveness of BIA’s emergency response and rescue services.

This year’s mock crisis simulation was centered on Aircraft accident within the vicinity of Bahrain International Airport. 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 participants, including volunteer actors playing the part of injured passengers, National ambulances, risk and fire fighter vehicles, and Medivac.

BAC Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah said: “I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in this exercise. Given the size of the new terminal compared to its predecessor, this was an immense challenge that required efficiency, teamwork, coordination and the highest levels of professionalism. All necessary measures were taken to ensure that BIA’s operations, including aircraft and passenger movement, were not impacted during this mandatory exercise.”

Mr. Al Binfalah added: “This was the biggest emergency exercise to date and the airport community has once again proven that BIA is well prepared to swiftly, and effectively handle any potential incidents that may occur. The bi-annual exercise plays a key role in identifying and testing the emergency response procedures and allow us to identify areas for improvement in our emergency planning. The lessons learned from this drill will enable us to refine our procedures even further, ensuring BIA continues to operate as a safe and secure airport in line with international aviation standards.”

BIA hosts the full-scale emergency drill every two years in accordance with the regulations issued by Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs, and global industry procedures enforced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The exercise was conducted in cooperation with strategic partners, Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain Defense Force, Airport Police, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Evidence, Airport Customs, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the General Directorate of Traffic, Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (Airport), the Operations Department, the Police Aviation Wing Department, Government Hospital, National Guard, the General Directorate of Women's Police, Gulf Air (National Carrier), Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), and Hala Bahrain Hospitality.