Mysuru: Mysuru Airport conducted an anti-hijack mock exercise on Monday evening to test and strengthen preparedness for aviation security emergencies. The drill brought together multiple agencies and departments to rehearse coordinated response measures in the event of a hijack or major airport security threat.

The exercise was organised as part of standard aviation security preparedness protocols and aimed at assessing the efficiency of coordination between airport authorities, security forces, intelligence agencies and emergency response teams.

Officials said the mock drill was completed successfully without disrupting normal airport operations.

Multiple agencies participate in the exercise

The anti-hijack exercise witnessed participation from officials of Mysuru Airport, Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF), Karnataka State Police, district administration, National Security Guard (NSG), intelligence agencies, medical teams and airline representatives.

Representatives from Orient Flying School and IndiGo Airlines also took part in the exercise along with airport emergency personnel.

The drill focused on ensuring seamless coordination among different agencies during high-risk aviation emergencies. Emergency response units were activated according to simulated threat scenarios prepared for the exercise.

Authorities stated that such coordinated drills are essential to assess operational readiness and identify areas requiring improvement in crisis management procedures.

Emergency protocols rehearsed

During the exercise, officials rehearsed several emergency protocols associated with anti-hijack and aviation threat management.

The drill included procedures related to aircraft isolation, security deployment, passenger safety measures and crisis response coordination. Simulated emergency situations were created to test communication systems, command structures and rapid deployment capabilities.

Senior police and state officials reportedly observed the exercise to evaluate preparedness standards and response efficiency.

Medical teams and emergency responders were also placed on standby as part of the simulation, while security personnel practised controlled access management and evacuation-related procedures.

Officials said the exercise helped assess the airport’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in case of real-life emergencies.

Airport operations remained unaffected

Mysuru Airport Director P. V. Usha Kumari said the mock drill was completed smoothly without affecting regular airport operations or passenger movement.

She stated that the exercise reaffirmed Mysuru Airport’s commitment towards maintaining high standards of passenger safety, aviation security and emergency preparedness.

According to airport officials, all operational activities, including scheduled flights and airport services, continued normally during the drill.

Passengers present at the airport were informed in advance regarding the exercise to avoid confusion or panic.

Importance of anti-hijack drills

Security experts say anti-hijack mock exercises are a critical component of airport security systems and are conducted periodically at airports across India to evaluate readiness against potential threats.

Such drills help authorities test coordination between multiple agencies including aviation security forces, police, intelligence units, medical responders and airport operators.

Officials noted that aviation security preparedness has gained increasing importance globally due to evolving threat perceptions and the need for rapid coordinated response mechanisms.

Regular mock exercises also help identify operational gaps, improve communication channels and strengthen emergency handling capabilities at airports.

Focus on passenger safety

Authorities emphasised that ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority during all airport operations and emergency preparedness initiatives.

Officials said exercises of this nature are conducted under strict planning and supervision to ensure that emergency response systems remain functional and updated at all times.

Mysuru Airport has in recent years witnessed increasing passenger traffic and operational expansion, making coordinated emergency preparedness measures more significant for airport authorities.

The successful completion of Monday’s anti-hijack exercise is expected to further strengthen the airport’s emergency response framework and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.