Varanasi, September 22— A Bengaluru passenger aboard an Air India Express flight to Varanasi was arrested on Sunday after allegedly attempting to open the cockpit door mid-air, triggering a security scare.
The incident occurred on September 22 when the man, traveling with eight companions, moved toward the cockpit area. Airline officials said the passenger was searching for the lavatory but emphasized that safety protocols were not compromised.
“We are aware of reports of 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,” Air India Express said in a statement on Monday.
Upon landing in Varanasi, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel detained the passenger along with his eight fellow travelers and turned them over to the local Phoolpur police station.
Station House Officer Praveen Kumar Singh confirmed the arrest, saying, “The man had attempted to open the cockpit door during the flight. He was arrested on landing and handed over to us. All nine persons, residents of Bengaluru, had come to Varanasi for pilgrimage. They are being interrogated, and further action will be taken based on findings.”
Authorities said the group’s purpose of travel was religious, but their actions raised concerns for aviation security. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and investigators are determining whether the act was intentional or accidental.
