Mangaluru International Airport successfully conducts annual full-scale aerodrome emergency exercise: Mangalam 2025

The crash fire tenders of Mangaluru International Airport dousing the 'fire' that enveloped the 'aircraft' at Mangalam 2025 exercise held at the Airport on Friday.

Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL) conducted Mangalam 2025, a Full-Scale Aerodrome Emergency Exercise (FSAEE) at Mangaluru International Airport on 26 September. With this annual exercise, mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the airport and its stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to aviation safety and emergency preparedness.
 
A comprehensive emergency scenario involving a passenger aircraft incident on the airfield was simulated to evaluate the airport’s readiness, stakeholder coordination, and response capabilities in the event of a real-life emergency at the airport. The scenario was executed with precision, involving mock casualties, timely suppression of the ‘fire’ that enveloped the ‘aircraft’ by Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFF) personnel, evacuation procedures, and related emergency management protocols.
 

ARFF Personnel of Mangaluru International Airport dousing the 'fire' that enveloped the 'aircraft' at Mangalam 2025 exercise held at the Airport on Friday.

The drill witnessed active participation from multiple stakeholders, including the District Disaster Management Authority, Mangaluru City Police, CISF, ARFF, medical teams – airport, government and private – airlines, and ground handling agencies. Observers from various regulatory bodies assessed the effectiveness of the exercise, which lasted a little over an hour. Their feedback, shared during the debrief session, will enable further refinement of the airport’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
 
Rescuers transport 'injured passengers' to ambulance deployed for Mangalam 2025 exercise conducted at Mangaluru International Airport on Friday.

“Mangalam 2025 is a testament to the proactive approach of the MgIAL in ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. Mandated exercises such as these enable us to identify gaps, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and enhance our overall emergency response framework,” said an airport spokesperson.
 
The MgIAL remains committed to its mission of providing a safe, secure, and seamless travel experience, and Mangalam 2025 marks another milestone in that journey.