title:Pakistan Conducts First Full-Scale Emergency Drill at New GwadarAirport
ISLAMABAD: In a significant demonstration of aviation preparedness,Pakistan has successfully executed its inaugural full-scale AirportEmergency Exercise at the New Gwadar International Airport, marking acritical milestone in ensuring operational safety at this strategicfacility. The exercise, coordinated by the Pakistan Airports Authority,simulated a major aircraft incident involving fire, multiple casualties,and challenging low-visibility conditions, drawing participation fromfirefighting units, rescue teams, medical personnel, and security agencies.This comprehensive drill not only tested response mechanisms but alsounderscored the airport’s readiness to handle real-world emergencies,thereby enhancing confidence among international stakeholders eyeing Gwadaras a rising aviation node.
The simulation unfolded with meticulous realism, featuring a mock aircraftcrash scenario that triggered immediate activation of the Airport EmergencyPlan. Firefighting teams swiftly contained the simulated blaze while rescueoperations extracted injured individuals from the wreckage. Medical staffestablished a fully equipped triage area on-site, where casualties wereassessed, prioritized according to injury severity, and provided immediatefirst aid in accordance with global standards. The seamless coordinationamong diverse agencies highlighted the robustness of inter-departmentalprotocols, even as artificial smoke and reduced lighting mimicked adverseweather conditions often encountered in the region.
Experts view such exercises as indispensable for maintaining high aviationsecurity benchmarks, particularly at emerging international airports. ThePakistan Airports Authority emphasized that the drill comprehensivelyreviewed emergency response efficacy, safety protocols, and overallpreparedness levels. By incorporating realistic elements like nighttime orlow-visibility challenges—building on prior night-time fire drillsconducted in 2025—the authority demonstrated progressive enhancement incapabilities. Successful execution reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment topassenger safety while addressing potential risks associated with increasedair traffic and cargo movements.
The New Gwadar International Airport, spanning over 4,300 acres andfeaturing a 3,658-meter runway capable of accommodating wide-bodiedaircraft such as the Airbus A380, represents a flagship project under theChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Funded as a grant by China andinaugurated in late 2025 with commercial operations commencing shortlythereafter, the facility positions Gwadar as a vital link in regionalconnectivity. It supports not only passenger services but also cargooperations tied to the nearby deep-water port, facilitating trade routesacross Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Aviation specialists stress that regular emergency drills are essential forbuilding global trust in an airport’s operational integrity. With passengertraffic gradually rising and international airlines exploring routes,proven emergency readiness becomes a decisive factor in attractingcarriers. The exercise at New Gwadar aligns with International CivilAviation Organization guidelines, ensuring compliance that elevates thefacility’s standing. Furthermore, it mitigates concerns over security andinfrastructure reliability in Balochistan, where strategic developmentsface occasional challenges.
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This achievement bolsters Gwadar’s transformation into a multifaceted hubencompassing aviation, maritime trade, and economic activities under CPEC.Chinese infrastructure investments have enabled modern terminals, advancedair traffic control systems, and auxiliary services, including provisionsfor perishable cargo handling. As regional connectivity initiatives gainmomentum, the airport’s demonstrated preparedness signals Pakistan’sproactive approach toward sustainable development and internationalcollaboration in aviation safety.
The Pakistan Airports Authority continues to prioritize such trainingacross its network, with similar full-scale exercises conducted at othermajor facilities like Islamabad International Airport. Officials noted thatinsights from the Gwadar drill will inform future improvements, fostering aculture of continuous enhancement in emergency management. Ultimately, thissuccessful operation not only safeguards lives but also contributes to thebroader vision of positioning Gwadar as a cornerstone of Pakistan’seconomic outreach.
Authority, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Aviation Safety
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