The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Wednesday took over the security command at Delhi’s first and strategically vital Airport in Safdarjung, making it the 73 such installation under the force’s cover.
This transition marks a milestone in the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) national mandate to standardise and fortify civil aviation security under a unified, specialised federal force.
The transition ceremony commenced with a majestic Guard of Honour presented to Binita Thakur, ADG (APS), followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. Marking the official transfer of command, the CISF Flag was formally handed over by the ADG (APS) to the DIG/CASO IGI Airport and the CASO of Safdarjung Airport. Subsequently, the ceremonial “Key Insignia” was handed over by APD K. C. Meena to the newly designated Assistant Commandant/CASO, B. S. Meena.
Safdarjung Airport occupies a highly sensitive 213-acre urban footprint in South Delhi, adjacent to Aurobindo Marg and surrounded by critical government and military installations. Operating as a non-scheduled airport, it is of immense strategic importance as Delhi’s primary hub for VVIP and VIP helicopter transit—frequently handling flights for the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister, as well as Cabinet Ministers and State Governors.
Due to the airport’s open, road-facing runway, dense adjacent vegetation, and proximity to high-density residential areas, central security agencies had strongly recommended transitioning from localised policing to the CISF’s specialised federal coverage.
To ensure a seamless operational takeover without interrupting vital VVIP helicopter schedules, the initial deployment has been executed under the Internal Security Duty Pattern (ISDP). This allows the incoming contingent to fully integrate with the airside geography, local topography, and operational protocols of the Indian Air Force and AAI.
To permanently safeguard the installation, the CISF has proposed robust, regular security strength of 136 specialised personnel headed by a Deputy Commandant (DC). This highly trained unit will replace the security duties previously managed by the Delhi police and Nagaland police.
The CISF will command and operate the airport’s advanced defense systems including a direct patrolling of the 3,800-meter perimeter wall, integrated with a specialized Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS), access point control, and surveillance using the CCTV cameras.
During her address, ADG (APS) Binita Thakur highlighted the strategic importance of Safdarjung Airport, located in the heart of Delhi, and emphasized the immense significance of the CISF taking over the security of such critical national infrastructure.
History of Safdarjung Airport
Delhi’s first airport was Safdarjung Airport. Originally built in 1929 as WillingdonAirfield, it featured grass runways and tents. Located near the Safdarjung Tomb, it served as the capital’s primary aviation hub until 1962, when commercial operations were shifted to Palam Airport (now Indira Gandhi International Airport) due to increasing traffic
The first airmail flight arrived in November 1918, and complete infrastructure for commercial flights was established by 1927. The airfield played a crucial role during World War II and handled historic military flights immediately after independence. As aviation technology advanced and air traffic boomed, the short runways became inadequate, prompting the shift of commercial flights to Palam.
