Air India Express passenger enters correct cockpit passcode, pilot blocks door fearing hijack

An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi faced a security scare on Monday when a passenger tried to open the cockpit door.

The incident occurred on flight IX-1086.

ET Bureau has learnt that the passenger entered the cockpit area and even entered the correct passcode.


However, the captain refused to open the door, fearing a potential hijack. The passenger was reportedly travelling with eight other companions.

On landing, all nine passengers were handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for further investigation.

Air India Express acknowledged the incident and said that robust safety and security protocols are in place and were not compromised.

“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 on landing and is currently under investigation,” a spokesperson of the airline said.