Saturday, March 29, 2025
Bengaluru–Varanasi Flight Incident: Passenger Tries to Open Cockpit Door, Claims He Mistook It for Toilet
Updated: September 22, 2025, 5:12 PM IST
On Monday, an unusual security scare unfolded aboard an Air India Express flight (IX-1086) traveling from Bengaluru to Varanasi when a passenger attempted to open the cockpit door mid-air. According to sources, the passenger later told the crew that he had mistaken the cockpit entrance for a lavatory.
Airline officials said the passenger, identified only as Mr. Mani, approached the cockpit entry area “while looking for the toilet” and even pressed the security code on the cockpit door. This immediately alerted the flight crew. Security officials confirmed that the pilot promptly notified Air Traffic Control (ATC), fearing a possible hijack attempt.
Mani reportedly told investigators that this was his first-ever flight and he was unaware of the security system. However, the incident was taken seriously. Upon landing in Varanasi, Mani and eight of his co-passengers were detained for questioning and later handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as per protocol.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed the matter, stating:
“We confirm that robust safety and security protocols are in place and were not compromised. The matter was reported to the relevant authorities upon landing and is currently under investigation.”
The airline emphasized that strict security measures were followed and no risk was posed to the aircraft during the incident.
This event comes just a day after another Air India flight, from London to Delhi, was delayed for two hours. The delay occurred after it was discovered that a passenger’s boarding pass had been stamped for entry onto the aircraft, but the individual never actually boarded. The crew noticed the discrepancy just before take-off, forcing the plane to return to the gate for re-verification.
