CISF Conducts Counter-Terror Drill at Delhi's IGI Airport Amid Expansion

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) conducted a major joint counter-terrorist mock exercise at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) to evaluate and improve inter-agency coordination against emerging security threats. The drill underscores a broader national effort to fortify aviation security as India expands its airport infrastructure, highlighted by the recent inauguration of the Noida International Airport.

The exercise at IGI Airport is a critical component of India's strategy to ensure operational readiness at its busiest aviation hubs. Its timing coincides with the CISF assuming security responsibilities at the newly inaugurated Phase I of Noida International Airport in Jewar, signaling a significant expansion of the force's operational mandate. These coordinated security enhancements are designed to protect critical infrastructure and maintain passenger confidence amid rapid growth in the country's civil aviation sector.

Inter-Agency Drill at IGI Airport

According to a statement from the CISF, the counter-terrorism exercise involved a wide array of specialized units and agencies. Participants included the CISF's Quick Reaction Team (QRT), Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), and Dog Squad. They were joined by personnel from the Delhi Police, the elite National Security Guard (NSG), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Support services, including the Delhi Fire Service, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) units from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), and medical services, also took part. The CISF stated the drill demonstrated strong synergy and operational readiness among all participating bodies.

These exercises are mandated by the BCAS to ensure that all stakeholders can respond seamlessly in a coordinated manner during a crisis. The involvement of agencies from security, regulation, and emergency response reflects a comprehensive approach to mitigating complex threats, aligning with global best practices outlined by organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for aviation security.

Security Fortification at Noida International Airport

Concurrent with its ongoing training initiatives, the CISF has taken a central role in securing the new Noida International Airport. The inauguration of Phase I involved a massive security deployment, with approximately 5,000 police personnel assigned to guard the facility. According to the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate, the security detail included forces from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and Special Protection Group (SPG), in addition to the CISF.

To secure the event, authorities declared the area a no-fly zone and implemented extensive logistical measures, including special parking arrangements for an estimated 20,000 vehicles. In a social media post, the CISF affirmed its commitment, stating it was ensuring a "robust security architecture, seamless passenger facilitation and vigilant protection of critical infrastructure."

This multi-layered security deployment at a greenfield airport from its inception reflects a strategic trend. The approach mirrors security measures at other major new airports and is informed by historical events. After the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the CISF was mandated in 2000 to take over security at all major commercial airports from local police forces, establishing the current framework where its specialized Aviation Security Group (ASG) is the primary protection agency.

Stakeholder and Operational Impact

The security enhancements directly impact several key stakeholders. For Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), the operator of Noida Airport, the integration of a 5,000-strong security force from day one provides a secure foundation for launching operations. For the CISF Aviation Security Group, the addition of a major new airport expands its national footprint and resource allocation requirements. Meanwhile, at IGI Airport, operator DIAL must ensure its airport operations, including its specialized ARFF teams, are fully coordinated with security agencies during drills, which can cause minor, temporary adjustments for passengers.

To maintain peak performance, CISF personnel undergo continuous training. Recently, the ASG unit at Shimla Airport conducted intensive night firing exercises in near-zero visibility to refine precision skills and readiness in demanding conditions.

What Comes Next

With the security framework now established, the next major step is the operational launch of the new airport. According to the DGCA, commercial flight operations at Noida International Airport Phase I are expected to commence in April 2026. The CISF will be fully responsible for passenger and infrastructure security from the first day of public operations.

Why This Matters

The simultaneous execution of a high-level counter-terrorist drill at a major hub and the establishment of a fortress-like security protocol at a new greenfield airport demonstrates a proactive and integrated national aviation security strategy. This approach is crucial for safeguarding India's rapidly expanding air transport network. For airlines, airports, and passengers, these measures are fundamental to building and maintaining the trust required to support the country's ambitions as a leading global aviation market.

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