Tense moments aboard an Indigo flight from Uttar Pradesh after a passenger attempted to open the aircraft’s emergency exit moments before take-off. CISF detained him for questioning.
The Incident
A dramatic scene unfolded at Maharajganj Airport in Uttar Pradesh when a passenger on board an IndiGo Airlines flight allegedly tried to open the emergency exit door just seconds before take-off.
Alert cabin crew members spotted the man’s suspicious behavior and immediately raised an alarm. The pilot promptly aborted take-off procedures to ensure passenger safety.
Passenger Detained
- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, detained the passenger for questioning soon after the aircraft returned to its bay.
- Initial reports suggest that the man, appearing to be in a confused or agitated state, did not respond clearly to the crew’s warnings.
- Authorities are checking whether the act was intentional or due to a mental health issue or intoxication.
What the Airline Said
In a brief statement, IndiGo said:
“A passenger on Flight 6E-*** attempted to open the emergency exit before take-off. The crew acted as per protocol, ensuring the safety of all passengers. The individual has been handed over to security agencies for further investigation.”
The flight resumed after security clearance, with all other passengers safe.
Background: Rising Air Rage Incidents
- India has seen a spike in mid-air unruly passenger incidents, including altercations, drunken behavior, and breaches of safety norms.
- The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has repeatedly warned airlines to take strict action against such acts under its “no-fly list” regulations.
- In similar cases, offenders have faced temporary flight bans and criminal charges under aviation safety laws.
Safety Protocols for Emergencies
Modern aircraft like Airbus A320s are designed with pressure-locked emergency exits that cannot be opened mid-flight or when the plane is pressurized.
However, attempts to tamper with these doors during taxiing or ground operations can still trigger serious safety risks and delay operations.
What Happens Next
The detained passenger is being interrogated by airport police and CISF officials. A report will be sent to the DGCA, which will decide if any aviation safety violation warrants further legal action.
