Hijack Scare: Air India Express Cockpit Breached

An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi faced a hijack scare when a passenger tried to breach the cockpit mid-air. The attempt created panic among crew and travellers until the situation was quickly brought under control.

Passenger Attempts Cockpit Entry

The passenger, identified as Mani R, reportedly entered the correct cockpit passcode during the attempt. This raised suspicions of a hijacking bid. The crew acted immediately, securing the cockpit and alerting airport authorities in Varanasi.

CISF Steps In

On arrival at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, CISF officials detained Mani R for questioning. The crew had followed strict safety protocols, treating the event as a hijack scare until all passengers were safe on the ground.

Security Concerns Highlighted

The incident underlined how seriously aviation security agencies treat cockpit breaches. Although it did not escalate into an actual hijack, authorities are investigating the passenger’s intent and mental condition to rule out further risks.

Importance of Vigilance

While passcodes and other safeguards protect flights, human alertness remains the strongest defence. For Indian airlines, this episode highlights the need for constant training, tighter access controls, and readiness to tackle unpredictable passenger behaviour.