KIA first airport to induct women firefighters

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has become the first airport to have a female contingent of firefighters. KIA operator, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has inducted 14 women firefighters into its Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) squad.

Recruited from across Karnataka, the women are currently undergoing basic training at the airport. They will now travel to Kolkata for a four-month extensive training at the Airports Authority of India's Fire Service Training Centre, beginning March 11.

The representation of women in an airport firefighting squad marks a significant milestone in Indian aviation, BIAL said in a release. The augmentation of KIA's emergency preparedness is critical as the airport expands with a second runway and a second terminal becoming operational by 2021.