Pune Airport Conducts Emergency Blackout Drill; 5 Flights Cancelled Earlier in the Day
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Viman Nagar, 10th May 2025: A planned emergency blackout drill was successfully conducted at Pune Airport on Saturday night to evaluate the airport’s preparedness in handling power outages or emergency scenarios. The drill, held between 8:25 pm and 8:45 pm, was executed without any disruption to passenger safety or terminal operations.
Speaking about the drill, Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said, “This was a scheduled emergency preparedness exercise. The objective was to assess our systems, staff response, and coordination in the event of a power failure or similar emergency. We are satisfied with the outcome, and there were no safety concerns during the drill.”
In preparation for the blackout simulation, prior notifications were issued to airlines, air traffic control, ground staff, and all concerned stakeholders. Passengers at the terminal were informed through public announcements, and medical teams were kept on standby throughout the 20-minute operation.
At precisely 8:25 pm, all lights and power systems at the airport were shut down as part of the drill. Airport staff and emergency responders implemented standard operating procedures, while incoming flights were instructed to hover for 20 to 30 minutes to avoid landing during the exercise. Continuous announcements ensured passengers remained calm and informed.
Dhoke further added, “The cooperation from all involved parties — airlines, ground staff, ATC, and emergency responders — was commendable. Drills like these are essential for real-time readiness.”
No safety incidents were reported during the exercise. The airport’s emergency response system, including communication protocols and coordination among teams, functioned effectively.
Separately, five IndiGo flights were cancelled earlier in the day (from 12:00 am to 8:00 pm) as airports are shut in North India amid India-Pakistan conflict:
- 6E 6129 Amritsar to Pune
- 6E 681 Chandigarh to Pune
- 6E 721 Cochin to Pune
- 6E 242 Pune to Chandigarh
- 6E 721 Pune to Amritsar
The cancellations were unrelated to the blackout drill. All other flight operations remained normal throughout the day.
