Kangra airport’s emergency response team proves its mettle in mock drill

In a high-stakes simulation aimed at testing emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination, a mock anti-hijacking exercise was successfully conducted at Kangra airport on Thursday. The exercise was chaired by Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa and convened by Airport Director Dhirender Singh.

The scenario involved a simulated hijacking of a Delhi-to-Jammu flight, which was force-landed at Kangra Airport with 65 passengers on board. The mock crisis escalated further, with 10 passengers sustaining injuries and two reported as casualties. The situation was effectively managed by the Airport Security Unit (APSU) Kangra, in close coordination with the National Security Guard (NSG), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and other law enforcement and emergency response agencies.

The operation featured real-time tactical manoeuvres, simulated hostage negotiations, medical triage procedures and comprehensive perimeter security checks. Despite high-pressure conditions, the joint response team neutralised the hijackers, demonstrating strong preparedness to counter real-world threats to civil aviation.

The drill was observed by senior officials, including ASP Bir Bahadur, ASP (2nd Battalion) Ashish Sharma, Dy SP Ankit Sharma, BCAS Observer Kripal Singh and Chief Security Officer Shani Anchal. Their presence reinforced the importance of such coordinated simulations in bolstering both regional and national aviation security.

“The success of this exercise highlights not only the vigilance of our security personnel but also the seamless coordination between multiple agencies. It’s a clear testament to our readiness to handle any aviation crisis,” said DC Bairwa.

Airport Director Dhirender Singh added, “Routine drills like this are vital. They help us evaluate our preparedness, identify and fix any operational gaps and ensure that passenger safety remains our foremost priority — no matter the threat.”

The mock drill offered a strikingly realistic depiction of a hijack emergency, reaffirming Kangra airport’s adherence to national safety protocols and its commitment to protecting civilian lives. The joint exercise marked a crucial step in enhancing regional crisis response capabilities and strengthening counter-hijacking infrastructure.

Himachal Tribune