Mid-Air Scare On Air India Express Flight, Flier Tries To Open Cockpit Door

A passenger on an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi created an in-flight disturbance by attempting to open the cockpit door. According to airline sources, the individual was identified as a first-time flyer, with initial investigations finding no malicious intent behind the action.

The incident occurred on Air India Express flight IX-1086, which departed Bengaluru shortly after 8 am. During the flight, the passenger approached the cockpit door and tried to open it. The cockpit door is secured with a passcode system, requiring code entry followed by the captain's authorization for access. The passenger failed to gain entry, and crew members promptly escorted him back to his assigned seat.

Airline officials have firmly denied reports suggesting that the passenger successfully opened the cockpit door at any point during the incident.

The passenger, who was traveling with seven companions, was handed over to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel upon landing in Varanasi. CISF officials conducted a thorough re-examination of both the passenger's luggage and the belongings of his seven travel companions.

Air India Express released a statement emphasizing that their "robust safety protocols were not compromised" during the incident. The airline stated: "We are aware of media reports regarding an incident on one of our flights to Varanasi, where a passenger approached the cockpit entry area while looking for the lavatory. We reaffirm that robust safety and security protocols are in place and were not compromised. The matter was reported to the relevant authorities on landing and is currently under investigation."