Large-scale operation at Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt: Yesterday, the airport company rehearsed for emergencies as part of an emergency exercise together with the federal police, fire brigade and the Dahme-Spreewald district.

It was a so-called "full exercise" in accordance with the guidelines of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which usually takes place every two years.

During the first exercise after the commissioning of BER, a scenario was practiced under the name "Quadriga": The collision of an airport bus carrying passengers with a winter service vehicle on the apron, with the indirect involvement of a second apron bus as well as casualties and property damage. The objectives of the exercise were the rescue of people, technical assistance and the interaction of the internal emergency services and civil protection in the event of a mass casualty incident (so-called MANV situations).

The emergency management with the Airport Care Team of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB), airport security, the airport fire brigade, the traffic department and terminal management were deployed together with the federal police and the Dahme-Spreewald district. A total of around 180 emergency services and around 110 extras took part. Flight operations at BER Airport were not affected. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) stipulates that emergency drills must be carried out regularly for all commercial airports. Commercial airports are certified by the competent aviation authority in accordance with EASA specifications. 

"Even before the opening of BER, all processes at the airport were extensively tested - including the emergency. Today, for the first time since commissioning, we are practicing an emergency situation on a regular basis so that we can work together with our partners, such as the district and the federal police, in practiced processes even in an emergency. The tried and tested processes have shown that the airport company and all those involved are prepared for emergencies. I would like to thank all the emergency services, the exercise management and preparation group as well as the approximately 110 volunteer extras for the careful preparation of the exercise and their commitment today," says Thomas Hoff Andersson, Managing Director Operations at FBB.