On Tuesday, 14 November 2017, at 13:00 hrs, the response levels of the Fire and Rescue Department, First Aid Unit and staff of Tirana International Airport (TIA) were tested with a mock emergency exercise. The simulation involved an emergency arising during the refuelling of an aircraft from which a major fuel spillage occurred.

The purpose of this exercise was to present a realistic and challenging situation in which Airport personnel and fire-fighters could develop certainty and proficiency in dealing with a fire.

The exercise put the above-mentioned Airport services through stringent procedures, and all units performed excellently.

“By implementing this exercise TIA enabled all parties involved to be prepared and react appropriately to such an emergency or incident. TIA has a high level of responsibility and through improving our ability to face such emergencies we contribute to safety to our maximum of our efforts,” said Dr Rolf Castro-Vasquez, TIA Chief Executive.

The requirement to perform such exercises every two years enables TIA to demonstrate that, in the unlikely event of an emergency, all of its units will react promptly and appropriately. The agencies that took part simulated their duties called for in the Airport Emergency Programme.

Officials from Albania’s Civil Aviation Authority and local authorities were also present at the exercise, along with participants from the Fire and Rescue Department, Red Cross and Airport staff.