Travellers passing through Kraków’s John Paul II International Airport overnight from 11 to 12 February may have wondered about the convoys of police vans and fire engines. It was all part of ‘Safe Train Station’, a full-scale counter-terrorism exercise led by the Carpathian Border Guard with support from state police, railway security, airport fire-rescue and medical teams.
The scenario simulated a bomb threat on the airport’s rail link, forcing simulated evacuation of passengers and the activation of joint-command protocols. Officers practised rapid cordoning of the platform, explosive-detection sweeps, crisis communications and triage of mock casualties.
![‘Safe Train Station’ drill tests crisis procedures at Kraków–Balice airport rail terminal]()
Before setting off, remember that obtaining the correct travel documentation is just as critical as staying informed about security measures. VisaHQ can help streamline the Polish visa application process, offering step-by-step guidance and real-time status updates through its online portal: https://www.visahq.com/poland/ Having your paperwork handled efficiently lets you focus on itinerary planning and any security advisories that may arise.
Although the drill was announced only after completion for operational-security reasons, the organisers stressed that commercial flight and rail timetables were not disrupted. The exercise forms part of Poland’s obligation under the EU’s Critical Infrastructure Directive to conduct regular multi-agency rehearsals at international gateways.
For airlines, corporate security teams and travel-risk managers the message is twofold: Kraków remains on heightened alert because of Russia’s war against neighbouring Ukraine, but local authorities are simultaneously investing in preparedness. Companies running group movements through the airport are advised to keep emergency contacts updated and to watch for possible short-notice drills that could affect curb-side access.
The scenario simulated a bomb threat on the airport’s rail link, forcing simulated evacuation of passengers and the activation of joint-command protocols. Officers practised rapid cordoning of the platform, explosive-detection sweeps, crisis communications and triage of mock casualties.
Before setting off, remember that obtaining the correct travel documentation is just as critical as staying informed about security measures. VisaHQ can help streamline the Polish visa application process, offering step-by-step guidance and real-time status updates through its online portal: https://www.visahq.com/poland/ Having your paperwork handled efficiently lets you focus on itinerary planning and any security advisories that may arise.
Although the drill was announced only after completion for operational-security reasons, the organisers stressed that commercial flight and rail timetables were not disrupted. The exercise forms part of Poland’s obligation under the EU’s Critical Infrastructure Directive to conduct regular multi-agency rehearsals at international gateways.
For airlines, corporate security teams and travel-risk managers the message is twofold: Kraków remains on heightened alert because of Russia’s war against neighbouring Ukraine, but local authorities are simultaneously investing in preparedness. Companies running group movements through the airport are advised to keep emergency contacts updated and to watch for possible short-notice drills that could affect curb-side access.
