Akasa Air Passenger Detained After Attempted Emergency-Exit Breach in Varanasi

Post by : Raina Nasser

An incident unfolded at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi when a passenger on an Akasa Air service bound for Mumbai allegedly attempted to operate an emergency exit as the aircraft was taxiing on Monday evening.

Local sources have identified the individual as Sujit Singh, a resident of Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Crew members intervened promptly, stopping the action and notifying the cockpit crew.

In line with safety protocols, the pilot ceased taxiing and returned the aircraft to the stand. Passengers were disembarked while security teams carried out a full inspection of the aircraft.

The flight, originally scheduled for a 6:45 PM departure, was held on the ground for more than two hours. After engineering and security clearance, the aircraft departed for Mumbai at about 9:00 PM.

Airport security, with support from CISF personnel, took Sujit Singh into custody and transferred him to the local police for further inquiry. During questioning, the man reportedly said he acted out of "curiosity" and wished to see how the emergency exit mechanism worked.

An Akasa Air representative said the airline adhered to established safety procedures and emphasised that protecting passengers and crew is the company’s foremost responsibility. The carrier reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on behaviour that threatens safety.

Aviation authorities and safety specialists noted that any attempt to open an emergency exit—even while the aircraft is on the ground—constitutes a serious breach of aviation safety rules, can trigger emergency responses, disrupt operations and expose the individual to significant legal penalties under aviation and criminal statutes.

Varanasi airport officials pointed out that similar episodes have occurred previously; earlier this year another passenger tampered with an exit handle, citing curiosity, which similarly delayed services and prompted safety concerns.

Investigators have initiated a detailed probe and officials are assessing whether offenses under the Aircraft Act or relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to endangering public safety will be invoked.