Mangaluru International Airport, known for its tabletop runway, conducted an air crash simulation on Tuesday as part of the ‘Mangalam – Tabletop Exercise 2024’ to identify and address any weaknesses in the airport’s emergency readiness. This exercise follows the November full-scale aerodrome emergency exercise (FSAEE) and serves as a crucial precursor to the upcoming drills.
In line with directives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and mandates from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the airport frequently performs various emergency exercises. Officials stated that the drill recreated an air crash scenario on airport property, involving multiple agencies playing out their roles in accordance with a probable sequence of events.
The significance of these exercises is underscored by the airport’s location, a tabletop runway positioned atop a plateau or hill, ending in cliffs. This unique geography necessitates frequent emergency drills, more often than the mandated once every two years. The tragic crash of Air India Express Flight 812 in 2010, where 158 out of 166 passengers perished, highlights the critical need for such preparedness.
The exercise script included unexpected developments to assess the readiness of relevant authorities to manage emergency scenarios. Independent observers provided critical feedback to improve the Aerodrome Emergency Response Plan. The airport representative emphasized the importance of these drills in helping different agencies understand their roles and responsibilities in real emergencies.
