LUCKNOW: A passenger was detained by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Varanasi Airport on Monday after he allegedly attempted to access the cockpit mid-air on Air India Express flight IX-1086 from Bengaluru to Varanasi.
According to sources at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, the individual was unsuccessful in his attempt and was taken into custody by CISF officials upon landing.
Panic reportedly ensued on board when the passenger entered the correct code for the cockpit door. However, the pilot acted swiftly and locked the door from inside, preventing any breach. The accused, who was travelling with eight others, was questioned and later handed over to the Varanasi district police.
In a statement, Air India Express clarified that the passenger was flying for the first time and had allegedly mistaken the cockpit for the lavatory.
“He approached the cockpit entry area while looking for the lavatory,” said a spokesperson for the airline. “We reaffirm 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.”
Sources further stated that when questioned about his actions, the passenger claimed he believed the cockpit door was the lavatory. After being informed of his mistake by the cabin crew, he reportedly returned to his seat quietly. Nevertheless, in accordance with standard protocol, he was handed over to CISF officials upon arrival in Varanasi.
The CISF is currently interrogating the passenger and his travel companions.
This incident comes just a day after a separate security lapse involving an Air India flight from London to Delhi, which was delayed after a passenger’s boarding pass was stamped, but the individual failed to board the aircraft, a discrepancy that was only noticed by the crew shortly before departure.