A major security scare unfolded aboard an Akasa Air flight from Varanasi to Mumbai on Monday evening after a passenger allegedly attempted to open one of the aircraft’s emergency exit doors before takeoff. The incident, which took place on flight QP 1497, caused alarm among passengers and crew and led to an immediate security response before the flight was cleared to depart later that night.

According to officials, the incident occurred while the aircraft was still on the ground, preparing for departure from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. The flight, initially scheduled to take off at 6:45 pm, was delayed after the crew detected the passenger’s suspicious activity and promptly informed the pilot.

The Incident

An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed the details in a statement issued to ANI, saying:

“A passenger on flight QP 1497, scheduled to operate from Varanasi to Mumbai on November 3, 2025, attempted to open an emergency exit door cover without authorisation while the aircraft was still stationary at the parking bay.”

The spokesperson added that the airline’s crew acted in accordance with standard safety protocols. The passenger was immediately identified, removed from the aircraft, and handed over to the airport security authorities. “All passengers and crew are safe,” the statement assured. Following a thorough inspection by Akasa Air’s engineering team, the aircraft was declared fit for service and eventually departed for Mumbai at 9:00 pm.

However, according to local police sources, the incident actually occurred when the aircraft had begun taxiing toward the runway, which prompted the pilot to take precautionary measures and return the plane to the apron area.

Passenger Detained and Arrested

The passenger was later identified as Sujit Singh, a resident of Gaura Badshahpur in the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. After he was restrained and offloaded, airport security personnel and local police detained him for questioning.

Phoolpur Station House Officer (SHO) Praveen Kumar Singh said that during the initial interrogation, the accused claimed he had no malicious intent and had tried to open the exit door “out of curiosity.” Authorities, however, took the matter seriously given the potential safety risk such actions pose to passengers and flight operations. Sujit Singh was subsequently arrested under relevant sections pertaining to interference with aircraft operations and endangering safety.

Flight Operations and Safety Procedures

After the suspect was taken into custody, the flight crew followed standard aviation safety procedures. The pilot immediately alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and taxied the aircraft back to the terminal gate. All passengers were escorted off the plane, and a detailed inspection was conducted by the airline’s ground engineers and aviation security officers.

Only after receiving security clearance was the flight allowed to resume operations. The aircraft eventually departed for Mumbai at around 7:45 pm, nearly an hour after its scheduled time, with all other passengers on board.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also expected to seek a report on the incident from Akasa Air and local airport authorities, given that such breaches are treated as serious security violations under Indian aviation law.

Airline and Security Reaction

Akasa Air, one of India’s youngest and fastest-growing airlines, emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. The airline praised the prompt action of its cabin crew in preventing what could have escalated into a dangerous situation. “The aircraft was thoroughly inspected and cleared by our engineering team before departure,” the airline reiterated in its official statement.

Aviation security experts noted that while the doors of commercial aircraft cannot be opened once the cabin is pressurised, any attempt to tamper with or handle emergency exits before takeoff constitutes a major security lapse and disrupts airline operations. Such incidents typically result in strict legal action, and offenders can be barred from flying in the future under India’s “no-fly list” regulations managed by the DGCA.

Legal Consequences and Broader Concerns

Under India’s Aircraft Act and Rules, tampering with any part of an aircraft or interfering with flight operations is a punishable offense. Offenders can face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the act. In recent years, authorities have taken a zero-tolerance stance toward unruly passenger behavior, ranging from verbal abuse of crew to attempts to open cabin doors mid-flight.

A senior airport official in Varanasi said, “Even though the passenger claimed he acted out of curiosity, such behavior cannot be taken lightly. Every individual on a flight must adhere to safety norms. There are strict protocols in place for a reason.”

Recent Trends in Unruly Passenger Incidents

The Akasa Air incident adds to a growing list of disruptive passenger cases reported on Indian flights over the past two years. The DGCA has repeatedly urged airlines to strictly enforce the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) on Unruly Passengers, which mandates immediate reporting and possible blacklisting of offenders.

Industry data shows a gradual increase in such incidents, often linked to alcohol consumption, psychological issues, or ignorance of aviation safety rules. Airlines have been directed to train crew members to de-escalate situations calmly while ensuring that security is not compromised.

Ensuring Passenger Awareness

Aviation safety specialists have long advocated for better passenger awareness campaigns to educate travelers about onboard safety norms. While cabin crew members conduct pre-flight demonstrations on how to operate emergency exits during real emergencies, misuse or tampering can cause costly delays and safety concerns.

Experts note that “curiosity” or “ignorance” cannot be accepted as excuses. “Emergency exits are life-saving tools meant to be used only when directed by trained crew members. Any attempt to tamper with them, even on the ground, endangers everyone on board,” one former DGCA official said.

Aftermath and Continuing Investigation

As of Tuesday, Sujit Singh remains under police custody and is expected to face formal charges under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Aircraft Act. The Varanasi airport police have submitted a preliminary report to the DGCA and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and a detailed investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was purely an act of recklessness or if other motives were involved.

Meanwhile, Akasa Air has resumed normal operations, with no further disruption to its schedule. Passengers on the affected flight later praised the professionalism of the crew and the airline’s swift handling of the situation.

Broader Implications for Airline Security

The incident once again highlights the delicate balance between ensuring passenger comfort and maintaining strict security measures in civil aviation. With India’s rapidly expanding air travel market — and millions of first-time flyers boarding domestic routes each year — airlines face an ongoing challenge in reinforcing safety education and compliance.

As the investigation continues, officials have reiterated that even minor acts of negligence or curiosity-driven behavior inside an aircraft are unacceptable. Each safety breach serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, proper crew training, and passenger discipline in ensuring that every flight remains secure from takeoff to landing.