By News Karnataka

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Mangaluru: Top aviation security officers from across South India gathered in Cochin recently to deliberate on ways to make air travel safer, smoother, and more passenger-friendly. The conference, hosted by Cochin International Airport, brought together senior officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) who are in charge of airport security across the region.

Passenger-friendly approach to security

Virendra Mohan Joshi, senior commandant and chief aerodrome security officer (CASO) of the Aviation Security Group (ASG) at Mangaluru International Airport, said the conference was a key initiative by CISF to align security strategies with passenger convenience.

The event was inaugurated by Praveer Ranjan, special director general (APS), in the presence of Jose Mohan, inspector general, CISF. In his address, Ranjan highlighted the need for airport security to remain “dynamic and people-centric,” balancing stringent checks with minimal inconvenience to travellers.

Focus on smarter checks and coordination

Security heads from major airports discussed a range of issues that directly affect passengers. These included making security checks smoother, improving coordination between agencies, and minimising delays without compromising safety.

According to participants, the aim is to ensure that travellers experience faster clearance times at checkpoints, shorter queues, and better handling of baggage without diluting vigilance. Officials stressed that as threats evolve, so must the methods of screening and surveillance.

Technology takes centre stage

A major highlight of the Cochin conference was the showcase of new technologies by the airport’s IT team. Among the innovations demonstrated were:

AI-enabled surveillance systems capable of real-time anomaly detection.

These advancements are expected to not only improve efficiency but also reduce bottlenecks during peak travel hours. Passengers stand to benefit from shorter waiting times, while airports gain better tools to detect and respond to potential threats.

Series of regional workshops

The Cochin conference is part of a larger series of regional workshops being held across the country, following a high-level aviation security meeting in Delhi earlier this year. A similar event was conducted in Guwahati, and more such sessions are planned in other zones to encourage practical feedback and collaboration between airports.

Officials said the regional-level approach allows security teams to address local challenges, such as varying passenger volumes, infrastructure limitations, and unique operational concerns of each airport.

Staff welfare also a priority

The Cochin meet also marked the inauguration of new facilities for CISF personnel, underscoring the force’s commitment to the welfare of its staff. According to the organisers, motivated and well-supported personnel directly contribute to higher levels of passenger safety and more efficient security management.

By balancing staff welfare, advanced technology, and people-centric policies, CISF aims to ensure that Indian airports remain both safe and traveller-friendly.

The South India aviation security meet in Cochin highlighted a forward-looking approach that seeks to make airports secure without being intimidating. For passengers, this means that while safety remains paramount, smoother experiences—ranging from faster checks to technology-driven services—are set to become the norm. With regional workshops continuing nationwide, India’s aviation security framework is being reshaped to keep pace with both global standards and rising passenger expectations.