Noida International Airport Conducts Saksham-2026 Emergency Preparedness Drill

Noida, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Noida International Airport hosted a comprehensive emergency preparedness exercise named ‘Saksham-2026’ on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The primary goal of this drill was to evaluate the airport’s readiness for emergencies and to enhance coordination among various agencies involved in crisis management. Participants included representatives from airport management, airlines, government departments, emergency services, and district administration.

In line with the guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the exercise simulated an emergency scenario at the airport. This allowed officials to assess the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency response system and how swiftly different agencies could coordinate to initiate rescue and relief operations.

‘Saksham-2026’ saw active participation from Indigo Airlines, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Uttar Pradesh Police, airport medical services, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the District Health Department, Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and representatives from various hospitals. During the drill, procedures for issuing emergency alerts, extinguishing fires, conducting rescue operations, and promptly activating emergency response teams were tested. The exercise also reviewed the logistics of deploying resources to the incident site and the distribution of responsibilities among teams.

A significant aspect of the drill focused on traffic management and the rapid transport of injured individuals to hospitals. The evaluation included the establishment of green corridors to ensure that victims reached designated medical centers in the shortest possible time. Coordination among hospitals, ambulance services, police, and medical teams is crucial during emergencies. The drill assessed how well these agencies worked together to execute relief and rescue operations. Additionally, the effectiveness of communication systems, information exchange, and response times were evaluated to identify areas for improvement.

Neetu Samra, CEO of Noida International Airport, emphasized that safety and preparedness for emergencies are among the most critical aspects of airport operations. Effective action during emergencies hinges on how well various teams and agencies coordinate with each other. She noted that such exercises provide an opportunity to test established procedures under realistic conditions, identify shortcomings, and pinpoint necessary improvements. Collaborating with relevant government departments and agencies enhances the capacity for quick and effective responses during emergencies.

According to airport management, ‘Saksham-2026’ is part of ongoing efforts to regularly review emergency response processes and strengthen coordination with related agencies. These drills help teams familiarize themselves with their roles and responsibilities while assessing their preparedness for various types of emergencies.

The development and operation of Noida International Airport is managed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG. The airport project is being developed under a public-private partnership with the Uttar Pradesh and Indian governments.

The concession period for the project began on October 1, 2021, and is set for 40 years. The airport’s master plan includes provisions for future expansion, aiming to handle over 70 million passengers annually. Thus, emergency preparedness, security measures, and improved coordination among agencies are considered vital components of airport operations.