Air India Express hijack scare! Passenger tries to break into cockpit on Bengaluru–Varanasi flight; 9 held | Varanasi News
VARANASI: A passenger was detained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport here and handed over to Phulpur police on Monday after he attempted to open the cockpit of Air India Express flight IX-1086 from Bengaluru to Varanasi. The attempt was thwarted by the flight’s pilot. According to Phulpur police station in-charge Praveen Kumar Singh, after the flight landed in Varanasi, CISF personnel apprehended Mani R of Bengaluru and detained his eight companions as well. Following initial interrogation, all nine were handed over to the Phulpur police. Singh added that a detailed interrogation is currently underway before a formal case is lodged. Earlier, panic gripped the flight when Mani R, who was traveling with a group of eight, attempted to access the cockpit by punching in the correct door code. However, suspecting a possible hijack attempt, the flight captain chose not to open the door, averting any immediate danger. A fellow passenger described the incident on social media, posting on X: “An @AirIndiaX passenger tried to open the cockpit door of Bengaluru-Varanasi flight IX-1086 today. He even punched the right passcode, but the captain didn’t open the door, fearing a hijack. The passenger was flying with 8 others.” After the aircraft landed safely, relieved passengers were safely evacuated, and CISF took Mani R and his group into custody. The focus of the interrogation reportedly included efforts to determine how Mani R obtained the cockpit passcode, a matter of serious security concern. Once inside the airport lounge, many passengers were seen discussing the unusual behavior displayed by Mani R during the journey. Several recounted that the moment he moved toward the cockpit, others onboard became visibly frightened and confused.
