Brussels Airport conducts five-hour disaster simulation

Brussels Airport has held its biennial large-scale disaster drill at the weekend, testing a scenario in which an aircraft encountered severe turbulence resulting in injuries and one fatality on-board.

This specific scenario was chosen because Brussels Airport has noticed that more flights are encountering turbulence and therefore wants to adapt its emergency procedures accordingly.

About 300 people took part in the drill, which lasted approximately five hours.

During the exercise, the aircraft’s pilot sent a distress message and the fire brigade, federal police and medical emergency services were waiting for the passengers on the tarmac.

About 20 passengers were unharmed, while around 30 played the part of being in a more serious condition. These passengers were taken to the advanced medical post where further triage was carried out.

From the medical post, passengers were taken to surrounding hospitals if necessary and the "fatality" was mourned.

The airport’s usual operational activities were able to continue uninterrupted during the exercise, which is held as part of the safety requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency that all international airports in Europe must comply with.