A passenger attempted to enter the cockpit on Bengaluru-Varanasi Flight IX-1086. The pilot did not open the door for security reasons. All 9 passengers were handed over to CISF. No one was injured in the incident.
Air India: On Sunday morning, a passenger attempted to enter the cockpit of Air India Express Flight IX-1086, en route from Bengaluru to Varanasi, causing a stir on board. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff. The passenger entered the correct passcode to open the cockpit door, but the Captain, fearing a hijack, did not open it. During this time, the aircraft's security system remained fully active, and there was no lapse of any kind.
Information on the Accused Passenger and Companions
A total of 8 other passengers were traveling with this individual, and together, all 9 passengers were handed over to the CISF. It has not yet been clarified why the passenger attempted to enter the cockpit. After the aircraft arrived in Varanasi, all accused passengers were handed over to security forces.
Accident Averted by Pilot's Presence of Mind
The Air India Captain handled the situation with discretion. As soon as the passenger entered the passcode and attempted to open the cockpit, the pilot immediately received a signal. The pilot observed the situation via CCTV cameras and, fearing a potential hijack, did not open the door. The pilot's decisive action prevented a serious incident, ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Air India's Response
Air India stated that there was no security breach in this incident. The airline informed that the passenger reached the cockpit entrance area while looking for the lavatory. The airline clarified that robust security measures are in place on the aircraft, and authorities were informed of the matter at the time of landing. Air India reported that the investigation into this incident is ongoing, and security procedures will be further strengthened to handle such situations in the future.
Passenger's Statement
According to the report, the passenger who attempted to open the cockpit door was flying for the first time. When questioned, he stated that he wanted to use the lavatory and thought it was the correct door. However, once the crew explained that he had tried to open the cockpit door, he quietly returned. This incident highlighted the effectiveness of security measures and the importance of the system controlling access to the cockpit.
Security Protocol
Under the Cockpit Security system, the door is made highly secure. Even if the passcode is correct, the Captain's decision is essential. In this incident, this protocol proved effective. The pilot's quick response and CCTV monitoring ensured the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.
Aircraft Security Regulations
According to aircraft security regulations, no person is allowed to enter the cockpit without the pilot's permission. This incident proved that adherence to rules keeps the aircraft safe even in an emergency. Officials stated that all security procedures were followed, and the accused passengers were taken into custody as per law.
