India stepped up airport security after the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. [1] The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is responsible for security at Indian airports under the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. [2] The CISF formed an Airport Security Group and assigns Airport Security Units (APSUs) to each airport to protect against unlawful interference. [3]

1. Introduction
India stepped up its airport security
after the 1999 Kandahar hijacking.
The Central Industrial Security Force, a
paramilitary organisation is in charge of
airport security under the regulatory
frame work of the Bureau of Civil
Aviation Security ( Ministry of Civil
Aviation Security).
CISF formed an Airport Security Group
to protect Indian airports.
Every airport has now been given an
APSU (Airport Security Unit), a trained
unit to counter unlawful interference
with civil aviation.
Apart from the CISF every airline has an
aviation security force which is a
separate department.

2. - The CISF controls airport security at all
commercial airports in India.
-Airport security, in the past, was under the
control of the Airport Police (under the State
Government).
-However, following the hijacking of Indian
Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, the topic of
handing over security of the airports to the
CISF was first proposed.
-While this proposal lay low for the next two
years, the Central Government woke up to
the security threat after the September 11,
2001 attacks in the United States of America
and decided to implement the suggestion.
-The Jaipur Airport was the first airport that
came under the CISF's control on 03rd feb
2000.
-Following this, majority of the commercial
airports in India were brought under its
purview.
-As of now CISF is protecting a total of 54
international and domestic airports in the
country.

3. Issues of Airport Security
Airport Security has various layers to prevent possible breaches, but total
security is not completely possible. We Should follow a layered approach to
(a) Airport security such as bomb sniffing dogs, biological / chemical
detectors, closed circuit TVs
(b) Security checkpoints such as screening passengers by observation
techniques, boarding pass check, identification check, metal detectors, trace
portals, carry-on baggage screening, checked baggage screening, and
secondary screening of individuals. Still then, absolute security is a myth.
There are always weak areas that can be exploited by experienced
professionals. However, if the layers of a security system are working
together, threats can be significantly minimized.
Since each airport is unique in physical and operational characteristics, we
need to check how a commercial service airport will meet its daily regulatory
requirements for the three essential areas: landside, terminal and airside.
The landside area has commercial and private vehicle area
The terminal area has public, non-public, and sterile areas
The airside area has secured areas, air operations areas, and security
identification display areas.

5. Technology
Technology is a necessary tool in the field of airport security.
The advances of airport security technology enhance the overall security process, not only as a deterrent, but also to provide
a greater range of observation and detection.
Examples of technological advances today in the aviation industry related to passenger boarding (within the airport terminal
building) include explosive detection, full body scanners, x-ray equipment, observation cameras, metal detectors, and other
advanced equipment.
On the outside of the terminal, several other types of technologies are used, which include,
Airport surface detection equipment(ASDE)
Airport movement area safety system(AMASS)
Precision runway monitoring(PRM)
Ground safety tracking and reporting system(GSTRS)
Runway status lights(RWSL)
However, technology is only one layer of security and cannot be a sole point of protection.
Only a proper multi-tiered security operation can achieve the ultimate goal of safety of passengers, airport personnel and the
airport itself.

6. Training
- Professional security, especially in the aviation
industry, requires special skills, knowledge and
abilities.
- Security personnel must have the ability to
identify potential elements of improvised
explosive devices.
- Other critical abilities of an airport security
professional include the detection of
questionable behavior, interpersonal
communication to be proactive in quickly
- Developing a rapport with people in order to
determine whether or not an individual may be
involved in terrorist activity, and how to assess
multiple threat possibilities.
- The hiring of unqualified personnel is the first
step in the defeat of a multi-tiered security
operation.
- The only way to obtain this knowledge is
through extensive and continued training and

7. Improving Airport Security
 Provide basic security training to all airport personnel
including ticket agents and baggage handlers.
 A longer, more comprehensive training program that
includes live training scenarios, counter-terrorist tactics, etc.
 Furthermore, training should be on a continuing basis at
least monthly.
 It is also absolutely essential that aviation security
professionals are proficient with any equipment used on a
daily basis, or other equipment used in the event of an
emergency situation.
For example, any unusual situation requiring immediate
action, security professionals must be able to handle the
situation.
Shutting down airport operations scares passengers while
waiting for law enforcement to arrive seems to be the current
tactic used in airport security, which is very unprofessional.
Raise standards of physical fitness that involve an agility test
equivalent to any other government agent or law enforcement

8. Conclusion
 Given the threat of terrorism we are facing today, it is absolutely
necessary to improve security in the aviation industry including
airports.
 Worldwide travel is convenient and relatively inexpensive, a key
element in the proliferation of terrorist networks throughout the
world.
 Despite advances in technology in airport security, there is no
substitute for highly trained and qualified personnel.
 In the aviation security industry, technology is only one layer of
security and human factors of security cannot be overlooked or
minimized.
 Over reliance on technology is a trap that leaves passengers,
aircrews, and airport personnel vulnerable to a terrorist attack.
 Over reliance on technology is a trap that leaves passengers,
aircrews, and airport personnel vulnerable to a terrorist attack.
 Contrary to popular belief, giving aviation security officers’ badges
and expensive equipment does not make them professionals.

9. Any Questions

10. Any Questions