Dortmund Airport is preparing for a possible emergency and will conduct a comprehensive aircraft accident drill this coming Saturday, May 10, 2025. In accordance with the safety regulations of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), numerous emergency personnel will participate in the "UWE 23" exercise from approximately 00:01 p.m. to 00:2025 a.m. to realistically simulate and train the procedures in the event of an aircraft accident.
Such emergency drills are mandatory for all commercial airports at regular two-year intervals. The goal of the drill is to simulate a realistic accident scenario, including a simulated fire, and to test the communication channels, reporting chains, and operational procedures in the event of an aircraft accident on the airport premises under authentic conditions. A particular focus is on ensuring smooth cooperation between the various emergency services involved.
The exercise scenario envisions an engine fire after landing, followed by the evacuation of the aircraft. Due to the assumed heavy smoke development, the evacuation of the terminal is also simulated. The focus of the exercise is on fighting the aircraft fire, the technical rescue of personnel, and the establishment of an orderly patient storage area for the initial treatment of injured persons. Over 130 participants are involved in the exercise, including the airport fire department, which is responsible for commanding the operation in cooperation with the Dortmund City Fire Department. Several fire departments from the surrounding area, rescue services, the Federal Police, and the psychosocial emergency service are also participating. Around 150 actors and extras portray injured persons with realistic wound representations. The exercise is planned in detail in advance and comprehensively evaluated afterwards in order to continuously optimize operational processes and strengthen cooperation between internal and external forces. The aircraft accident exercise takes place in the airport's security area and in the terminal and has no impact on public transport or regular flight operations. Nevertheless, Dortmund Airport asks residents, road users and passengers for their understanding for any inconvenience caused by the exercise.
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