Smoke in the Cockpit | Full-Scale Emergency Mock Drill Conducted at Pune Airport to Test Preparedness
Pune | July 19, 2025 – A comprehensive emergency mock drill was conducted at Pune International Airport on Saturday, simulating a critical “smoke in the cockpit” scenario in a dummy aircraft. The exercise aimed to assess the readiness and coordination of all stakeholders in handling an aviation emergency, officials confirmed.
The drill was carried out in strict compliance with the guidelines set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulatory body. The primary objective was to evaluate the preparedness, response efficiency, and inter-agency coordination in managing a real-time emergency situation.
Multi-Agency Participation
Nearly 330 personnel from various agencies, including the Indian Air Force (IAF), Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services, and local civic fire brigades from Pune and neighboring areas, participated in the exercise. The scenario involved detecting smoke in the cockpit of a dummy incoming aircraft, triggering the activation of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).
Emergency Response in Action
Upon receiving the alert, emergency teams swiftly mobilized to the scene. Firefighting units from the IAF and ARFF, along with municipal fire services, executed rescue operations. Mock “survivors” were guided to designated reception centers for medical care and further assistance, ensuring a seamless emergency response protocol.
पूर्ण प्रमाणात आपत्कालीन मॉक ड्रिल 19 जुलै 2025 रोजी #पुणेविमानतळ येथे आयोजित करण्यात आली.
— पुणे विमानतळ /Pune Airport (@aaipunairport) July 19, 2025
पूर्ण पैमाने पर आपातकालीन मॉक ड्रिल 19 जुलाई 2025 को #पुणेएयरपोर्ट पर आयोजित की गई।
A full-scale emergency mock drill was held at #PuneAirport on 19 July 2025.@AAI_Official@aairedwr pic.twitter.com/IWDsKOOMMl
Post-Drill Evaluation
Following the drill, independent evaluators conducted a debriefing session, sharing critical observations and recommendations with the participating teams. The feedback aimed to identify areas for improvement and enhance operational efficiency in real-life emergencies.
