Bengaluru-Varanasi Air India Express passenger approached cockpit while looking for lavatory, says airline

Air India Express

An Air India Express passenger on Bengaluru-Varanasi route approached the cockpit while looking for the lavatory, the airline said on September 22.

The incident happened midair on Air India Express flight IX 1086, which departed from Bengaluru airport’s Terminal 2 at 8am and landed in Varanasi at 10:27am.

Sources said the passenger, identified as Mani R, was detained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi and handed over to Phulpur police. Mani, who was travelling with a group of eight and claimed to be a first-time flyer, was visiting Varanasi for a pilgrimage.

“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,” an Air India Express spokesperson said in a statement.

According to reports, a passenger attempted to access the cockpit, but the captain did not open the door, fearing a possible hijacking attempt.