Security lapse: Passenger mistakenly tries to enter cockpit on Bengaluru-Varanasi Air India Express Flight
PTC Web Desk: A Bengaluru-Varanasi Air India Express flight witnessed a security-related incident on Monday morning when a passenger allegedly attempted to access the cockpit area, reportedly while searching for the lavatory. Flight IX1086 departed Bengaluru at 8 am and landed safely in Varanasi at around 10.30 am.
Confirming the development, Air India Express issued a statement clarifying that there was no threat to flight safety. “We are aware of reports regarding an incident on our Varanasi-bound flight, where a passenger approached the cockpit area while looking for the lavatory. We reiterate that all safety and security protocols remained intact. The matter was reported to the authorities concerned upon landing and is under investigation,” the airline said.
Authorities are examining the details of the incident, although officials confirmed that the cockpit was never compromised.
This is not the first such case. In June 2024, a 25-year-old passenger on a Kozhikode-Bahrain Air India Express flight was arrested after attempting to open the aircraft door mid-flight, forcing an emergency diversion to Mumbai. The same individual also allegedly attacked cabin crew during the incident.
- With inputs from agencies
