Activation of C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) has been demonstrated to mediate the occurrence and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the potential therapeutic role of CCR7 inhibition in NSCLC is still obscure. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of CCR7 on cell apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC A549 cells. Chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) was used to activate CCR7 and the results revealed that CCR7 upregulation inhibited cell apoptosis and affected apoptosis‑related protein levels. However, CCR7-siRNA treatment markedly promoted apoptosis and suppressed inflammatory response and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT. In addition, CCR7‑siRNA inactivated the NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibition of NF-κB via its specific antagonist, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, indicated that NF-κB was involved in the CCR7-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, upregulation of CCR7 promoted cell proliferation and inflammation in A549 cells. In conclusion, inhibition of CCR7 via siRNA treatment promoted cell apoptosis and suppressed the inflammatory response and TGF-β1‑induced EMT, which may be associated with NF-κB signaling.