On Saturday 4 October, an emergency drill was held at Brussels Airport, during which various emergency response services and organisations collaborated to test the airport's emergency procedures. This emergency drill, led by the Provincial Governor of Flemish Brabant, is part of the provincial emergency and intervention plan. A total of around 300 people participated, including crisis actors, emergency responders and assessors and the drill also marked the first use of the new crisis centre at Brussels Airport. During this drill the new crisis centre at Brussels Airport was used for the first time. The drill meets the safety requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which all international airports in Europe must comply with.
Every two years, Brussels Airport conducts a full-scale emergency exercise to test its emergency and safety procedures under the most realistic conditions possible. This year, a medical incident on board an aircraft was the central focus of the exercise. According to the scenario, a plane bound for Brussels Airport encountered severe turbulence, resulting in numerous 'injured' passengers requiring immediate medical assistance and coordination at the provincial level.
"This emergency drill was coordinated from our new, purpose-built crisis centre at Brussels Airport, which was used for the first time. The centre represents a major investment in a central, state-of-the-art coordination centre equipped with all necessary multimedia and IT tools, which we have now had the opportunity to test, in practice. Both the drill and the cooperation of the Province and all partners involved serve as an important field test, helping us to be as ready as possible for a real incident. We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure safety at every level," said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.
"Good preparation is crucial to responding quickly and appropriately in emergencies. Large-scale emergency drills, such as this one at Brussels Airport, are critical to testing and strengthening cooperation among all emergency response services and agencies involved. By holding joint exercises under realistic conditions, we can refine our procedures and increase our preparedness. I attach great importance to this multidisciplinary approach, which is crucial to ensure maximum safety for staff and passengers at our airport," said Jan Spooren, Provincial Governor of Flemish Brabant.
The scenario was carefully developed in consultation with the Federal Emergency Planning Department of Flemish Brabant, the fire brigade, the Red Cross, medical intervention services, the Federal Police, Defence and local authorities. Brussels Airlines also participated in the drill, providing the aircraft from which the crisis actors were evacuated, to make the scenario as realistic as possible.
A necessary field test for airport certification
The emergency drill tested the functioning of both internal and external procedures, as well as the implementation of the Special Emergency and Intervention Plan (BNIP). This exercise is part of the airport's EASA certification requirements, which all international European airports must meet. The aim was to practise and strengthen cooperation among all parties involved and to ensure that everyone is optimally prepared for emergencies.
Lasting around five hours, the emergency drill was instructive and went well, and had no impact on the airport's operations. Approximately 300 people in total participated, including crisis actors, emergency response services and assessors. Afterwards, a joint debriefing was held, enabling all participants to share their experiences and insights. Insights gained from this field test will be incorporated to enhance procedures and ensure ongoing improvement in emergency preparedness.
