Chattogram airport conducts full-scale fire drill to enhance emergency response
The exercise aimed to enhance the preparedness of airport personnel and various emergency agencies in responding to aviation incidents
A full-scale fire drill, titled "Fire Drill-2025," was held at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport today (21 January) at noon.
The exercise aimed to enhance the preparedness of airport personnel and various emergency agencies in responding to aviation incidents.
The drill simulated an accident involving a Neptune Airlines Airbus-320, carrying 65 passengers and crew. The aircraft landed on Runway-23 but veered off and came to a stop 200 feet from Taxiway Bravo near the cargo apron. Shortly after, the right engine of the aircraft caught fire, quickly engulfing the plane in flames.
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The control tower activated the crash alarm and informed the airport fire station, the airport director, and other relevant officials, including the assistant director (fire). Emergency teams sprang into action to extinguish the fire and evacuate passengers.
The exercise concluded with the simulated rescue of 40 uninjured passengers, 21 injured, and four fatalities.
The primary goal of the drill was to practise extinguishing fires and ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers during an aircraft accident. It also aimed to test the joint coordination and rapid response capabilities of various agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Nasreen Jahan, who attended as the chief guest, stressed the importance of such drills.
"According to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, enhancing the skills and professional knowledge of fire crews and verifying the effectiveness of firefighting equipment during unforeseen disasters is crucial," she said.
She added, "Today's drill was successfully completed within the stipulated time. It gives us confidence that we can face unexpected challenges through quick and effective collective action."
Organisations involved in the drill included the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Bangladesh Air Force, Navy and Army, Police, Ansar, Fire Service and Civil Defence, RAB, APBn, Combined Military Hospital Chattogram, Airport Health Centre, Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Air Astra, and Novoair.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan attended as a special guest alongside senior officials from participating organisations.
