CISF conducts anti-hijacking mock drill at Delhi IGI Airport to test security preparedness
The exercise tested rapid tactical response and inter-team coordination to ensure passenger safety at India's busiest aviation hub.

The Central Industrial Security Force has carried out an anti-hijacking mock exercise at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, testing rapid response mechanisms and tactical coordination across its aviation security units.
The exercise simulated a high-threat aircraft hijacking to evaluate how quickly command personnel and ground tactical units react under pressure. Officials tested emergency protocols designed to neutralise hostile threats, secure civil aviation assets, and protect passengers at the country's primary international gateway.
Testing operational readiness under pressure
During the simulation, CISF personnel were deployed across designated operational zones to respond to unfolding tactical challenges. The scenario evaluated containment procedures, tactical movement, communication relays, and joint decision-making across specialised response units.
Security planners monitored the drill to review response times and spot potential friction in emergency handovers. Beyond initial reaction speeds, the drill assessed how well command structures maintain clear operational control during complex crises.
| Assessment focus | Operational objective | Evaluation criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Tactical response | Rapid aircraft intervention | Deployment speed and containment |
| Inter-team coordination | Synchronised movement | Multi-unit communication flow |
| Emergency protocols | Asset and passenger safety | Execution of standard operating procedures |
Safeguarding national aviation hubs
As the lead federal agency tasked with civil aviation security across India, the CISF maintains round-the-clock protection over passenger terminals, cargo infrastructure, and aircraft bays. The force conducts regular readiness drills across sensitive airports to counter evolving security risks and refine tactical readiness.
Delhi's IGI Airport handles tens of thousands of domestic and international travellers every day. Running full-scale tactical simulations allows security planners to stress-test contingency plans in a realistic operational environment without disrupting scheduled flight traffic.
The CISF has not disclosed the specific duration of the simulation or the exact number of personnel who took part in the exercise.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Location of drill | Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi | Central Industrial Security Force |
| Lead security agency | Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | Central Industrial Security Force |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi International Airport | Location where the security drill took place |
| Central Industrial Security Force | Conducted the anti-hijacking mock exercise at Delhi airport |



