Yesterday, Wednesday November 5th, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport ran a full-scale simulated aviation accident to test the processes and cooperation laid out in its Self-Protection Plan. The simulation also attempted to find out how well the different teams that would respond to an airport disaster knew what they were doing and how quickly they could react and respond.
The drill was based on the crash of a commercial plane that hit a flock of birds after taking off from Alicante airport’s runway and then plunged into the Mediterranean.
Aena said in a statement that this has led to the activation of the airport plan, the Aeronautical Emergency Plan of the Valencian Community, and the Self-Protection Plan of the Port of Alicante.
The pilot warned everyone before the drill started. He called the control tower on the radio and said, “Mayday, mayday,” then reported the impact and crash into the water. After confirming the accident and checking the coordinates, the communications protocol was put into effect and all the groups listed in the plan were informed.
Because of the nature of the situation, the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport is set up as a Support Command Post for the Main Command Post. The situation Coordination Centre of the Valencian Government (CCE) is in charge of coordinating the two.
The Alicante airport has also opened the family lounge, where actors have played the roles of family members of passengers on the downed plane. Red Cross workers have been sent to this area to help people with their mental health. The Government Sub-delegation has also worked with consulates to help families from different countries that have come to the area.
The simulation also required all the agencies engaged in coordinating and resolving the situation to use air, marine, and land resources.
The Palma de Mallorca Coordination and Rescue Centre (RCC Palma)-Air Force Search and Rescue Service (SAR), the Valencia Rescue Coordination Centre (CCE), the Maritime Safety and Rescue Society (SASEMAR), and the Airport Operations Centre have all taken part.
The groups taking part in the drill came from the control tower, the operations centre, the Guardia Civil, the National Police, the Local Police of Elche, a Handling SOUTH agent, terminal agents, the public information service, IT staff, the airport’s victim assistance officer (RAAV), and airport security.
Author: Derek Appleton
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