Blackout Simulation Tests Preparedness During Ongoing India-Pakistan Tensions
Pune, May 10 — The Pune airport conducted a planned emergency blackout drill on Saturday evening as part of heightened security measures in response to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. The drill, held between 8.25 pm and 8.45 pm, was aimed at assessing the airport's preparedness for power outages and emergency scenarios, according to airport authorities.Sunil Doke, Director of Pune Airport, confirmed that the mock drill was successfully executed and served as a valuable exercise in testing emergency protocols.
"The drill was successful in testing the airport's preparedness and response to potential emergencies. It highlighted areas of strength and identified opportunities for improvement," Doke said.
Key Aspects of the Drill
During the 20-minute blackout drill, all lights and power systems at the airport were intentionally shut off. Airport staff, emergency teams, and other personnel implemented procedures from the airport’s emergency response plan to ensure operations could continue safely in the event of a real outage.Announcements were made in the terminal building ahead of the drill to inform passengers and prevent panic. Communication between airport staff, airline representatives, and air traffic control was maintained throughout the exercise, Doke added.
"The airport's emergency response plan was effective in ensuring a smooth response to the simulated blackout. Communication was satisfactory, and no safety incidents or issues were reported," he noted.
Flight Cancellations
Despite the successful drill, four flights were cancelled on Saturday. These included:- Pune to Chandigarh
- Pune to Amritsar
- Chandigarh to Pune
- Amritsar to Pune
Security Context
The drill was part of nationwide preparedness efforts following heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border. While no real emergency occurred, the simulation provided valuable insights into handling critical situations efficiently and ensuring passenger safety.Officials stated that such exercises would continue as part of ongoing evaluations to bolster airport readiness in the face of evolving threats.
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