KOCHI– A passenger on an Air India Express (IX) flight from Bengaluru (BLR) to Varanasi (VNS) tried to open the cockpit door during the journey. The cockpit remained secure due to its passcode-protected locking system, preventing any breach.
The airline confirmed that safety protocols were not compromised. Authorities at Varanasi (VNS) detained the passenger, who claimed he had mistaken the cockpit door for a lavatory. Air India Express (IX) is reviewing the matter and considering further action.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAir India Express Cockpit Breach
According to sources, the passenger attempted to unlock the cockpit door using the keypad access system but failed, as only pilots and cabin crew know the passcode. The incident took place mid-flight, but no disruption occurred to aircraft operations.
After landing in Varanasi (VNS), the passenger and eight companions traveling with him were handed over to airport security.
While some speculation arose that he had entered the correct passcode, officials with direct knowledge confirmed this was not the case.
Airline Remarks
Air India Express (IX) issued a statement acknowledging the incident, clarifying that the passenger had approached the cockpit while searching for the lavatory.
The airline emphasized that its safety and security procedures functioned as intended and that the matter was reported to authorities immediately after landing.
The cockpit door of commercial aircraft is reinforced and equipped with electronic access controls, designed to prevent unauthorized entry. Any attempt to interfere with the locking system is treated as a serious violation of aviation security standards.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalDisciplinary Action Under DGCA Rules
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) outlines strict rules under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for handling unruly passengers. Based on initial assessments, the passenger’s actions could be classified as a Level 3 offence — the highest category of unruly behavior.
Level 3 offences include life-threatening actions, attempted or actual breaches of the cockpit, violent assaults, or damage to critical aircraft systems. In such cases, the minimum flying ban is two years, with no upper limit. Legal action may also follow.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalThe Role of the Internal Committee
Airlines are required to refer unruly passenger cases to an internal committee. This body must include a retired district judge as chair, a representative from another airline, and either a consumer rights representative or a retired officer from a consumer redressal forum.
The committee must decide within 30 days how to classify the incident and determine the ban period. Its decision is binding on the airline. For Level 3 incidents, the passenger may be grounded indefinitely.
Bottom Line
Incidents like this highlight why passenger conduct on board is closely monitored. Even unintentional interference with cockpit access can trigger strict consequences because of the risk it poses to flight safety.
Airlines and regulators continue to stress the importance of following crew instructions and respecting restricted areas of the aircraft.
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