Passenger onboard Air India Express tries to open cockpit door 

NEW DELHI: A passenger onboard Air India Express tried to open the cockpit door mid-air today. The Air India Express Flight IX-1086 took off from Bengaluru to Varanasi at 8 am. A passenger approached the cockpit door and tried to open it.

The door to the cockpit is secured and one must punch in a passcode to unlock it. After entering the passcode, the captain can allow or deny access. The passenger who tried to open the door illegally could not enter the passcode correctly. The crew ensured he returned to his seat.

It is not clear why the passenger tried to open the cockpit door. He was flying with seven others. He was handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) after the flight landed in Varanasi. Air India has informed that an investigation has been launched into the incident. Air India said the passenger tried to open the cockpit door while searching for the toilet. Air India said that strong safety and security protocols are in place for the flight and there has been no compromise on them. The company informed the relevant authorities after the flight landed. The investigation is presently underway, said the company.