Doha International Airport Completes Fifth Full-scale Emergency Exercise

2022-06-01

MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management successfully conducted their fifth full-scale emergency exercise for Doha International Airport (DIA) titled ‘Emergency Exercise Oryx Juliet 2022’.
Over 300 personnel from various agencies and departments participated in the emergency exercise, in order to test the airport’s effectiveness and readiness to respond to an incident, and evaluate the communication processes, procedures and methods in working with valued partners, stakeholders and government agencies.

The exercise was arranged in cooperation with government agencies, partners, and stakeholders, including Qatar Airways Group, Airline Operators Committee (British Airways), Airport Customs, Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, National Command Center, Ministry of Transport, Gulf Helicopters Company, Qatar Aeronautical Academy, Qatar Air Accident Investigation, Qatar Disaster Victim Identification Team, Qatar Red Crescent Society and Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

On reviewing the successful conclusion of the emergency exercise, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport reflects: ‘Delivering operational excellence and prioritising the safety, security and health of our employees and passengers has always been at the core of our business. Conducting full-scale exercises with the support of our valued partners and stakeholders ensures we stay vigilant, adapt to new circumstances and are prepared for incidents that may occur.’

‘This is the 10th full-scale emergency exercise concluded at both Doha International Airport and Hamad International Airport combined. As we countdown towards the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we are taking all the necessary measures to ensure our operations are seamless and our passenger journey is as safe as possible.’ Engr. Al Meer added.

The scenario focused on a distress call from an inbound flight due to heavy smoke detected in the aircraft. The exercise tested the local airport community’s preparedness in such a similar situation and its procedures related to following emergency procedures, safe aircraft evacuation, and firefighting measures. Additionally, trials were conducted for providing medical assistance and coordination and communication with friends and family of potentially affected passengers and crew.

The emergency exercise is part of the requirements outlined by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and will highlight our commitment to ensuring that our Airport Management Systems and Emergency Preparedness meet the requirements of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Aerodrome Licensing Standards.

Led by MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management, the simulation evaluated the airport and its stakeholders’ emergency response in the unfortunate event of an aircraft accident.