Varanasi: Passengers aboard the Bengaluru-Varanasi Air India Express flight IX-1086 were thrown into panic on Monday when a man attempted to enter the cockpit mid-air.

Reports indicate that the individual tried to gain access to the cockpit under the pretext of using the lavatory.

The crew acted swiftly to restrain the passenger until the flight safely landed in Varanasi. According to News18, the accused was traveling with eight other companions, all of whom were handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for questioning.

An Air India Express spokesperson said, “We are aware of media reports regarding an incident on one of our flights to Varanasi, where a passenger approached the cockpit entry area while looking for the lavatory. 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.”

This is not the first cockpit-related incident involving Air India. In February, a pilot allowed a female friend into the cockpit during a Dubai-Delhi flight.

Following a complaint by a cabin crew member, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) subsequently de-rostered the entire crew.

The DGCA has repeatedly warned airlines about the dangers of unauthorized cockpit entry, emphasizing that such incidents violate aviation safety norms.