Air India Express Passenger Mistakenly Approaches Cockpit Mid-Flight, Causes Scare

Bengaluru/Varanasi, Sept 22, 2025 A Bengaluru to Varanasi flight on Monday witnessed anxious moments after a passenger reportedly attempted to open the cockpit door mid-air. The incident occurred aboard Air India Express flight IX-1086 and was later clarified by the airline as a case of confusion by a first-time flyer. In a statement, Air India Express said the passenger “approached the cockpit entry area while looking for the lavatory.” The airline emphasized that there was no threat to flight safety at any point. “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,” a spokesperson said. Sources told that the individual was a first-time flier who mistook the cockpit door for the lavatory. “When asked why he did it, he explained that he thought it was the toilet door. Once informed by the cabin crew, he quietly returned to his seat,” the source said. In keeping with security protocols, the passenger was handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) after the flight landed. Conflicting reports about the seriousness of the incident have surfaced. The Economic Times reported that the passenger may have entered a correct access code for the cockpit door and was prevented from stepping in by a pilot who suspected a potential hijack attempt. However, this claim has not been independently verified. Videos and passenger accounts did not suggest any aggressive behavior, and the airline maintained that the passenger’s intent was not malicious but the result of unfamiliarity with flying procedures. The incident adds to a string of unusual episodes faced by Indian carriers recently. Just a day earlier, an Air India flight from London to Delhi was delayed by nearly two hours due to a boarding mix-up. Airline officials said that while a passenger’s boarding pass had been scanned and marked for entry, the individual never actually boarded the plane. Instead, the person reportedly wandered into the arrivals section of the airport. The aircraft, which had already begun taxiing, had to return to the gate once the absence was discovered, causing a significant delay for passengers. Aviation experts note that while airline safety systems are designed to handle emergencies, even minor lapses or unusual actions by passengers can trigger heightened security responses. “In today’s climate, every cockpit-related incident is treated with utmost seriousness,” said a retired aviation security official, pointing out that global aviation norms mandate strict vigilance regarding cockpit access. Air India Express reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority and urged travelers, especially first-time fliers, to pay close attention to crew instructions. The airline also assured that cabin crew are trained to respond calmly and efficiently in such situations. As authorities continue their inquiry into the Bengaluru-Varanasi incident, the episode serves as a reminder of how even seemingly innocent mistakes can cause alarm in the highly sensitive environment of commercial aviation.