Passenger held at Varanasi for trying to unlock Akasa Air emergency door mid-flight

A shocking incident took place on an Akasa Air flight from Varanasi to Mumbai when a passenger allegedly tried to open the emergency exit door just before the aircraft was about to take off. The incident happened on Monday evening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, delaying the flight for nearly an hour. Officials confirmed that the flight, numbered QP 1497, was scheduled to depart at 6:45 pm but was stopped after the alarming act by one passenger.

The man, identified as Sujit Singh, is a resident of Gaura Badshahpur in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. As the aircraft was taxiing towards the runway — which means it was slowly moving to prepare for takeoff — Sujit reportedly reached for the emergency exit handle. The cabin crew immediately noticed the attempt and raised an alarm. Following proper safety protocols, the pilot quickly informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the situation and brought the plane back to the parking area (apron).

The incident created panic among passengers, who were surprised and confused by what had happened. The airline’s crew handled the situation calmly, ensuring everyone on board remained safe. Once the aircraft returned to the apron, all passengers were asked to deboard the plane as security personnel began their inspection.

Airport security and local police soon reached the spot. The accused passenger, Sujit Singh, was taken into custody for questioning. According to Phoolpur Station House Officer (SHO) Praveen Kumar Singh, the man claimed he tried to open the exit door “out of curiosity,” not realizing the seriousness of his action. However, police officers confirmed that an official case has been registered against him under relevant sections for endangering flight safety.

After the security checks were completed and the authorities confirmed that there was no further threat, the flight was allowed to resume its journey. The plane finally took off for Mumbai around 7:45 pm, nearly an hour later than its original schedule.

Airline follows strict safety protocol

Akasa Air released a statement confirming the incident and appreciating the quick response of its crew members and ground staff. The airline said that passenger safety is its top priority and that it follows all standard safety procedures in such situations. The prompt communication between the pilot, cabin crew, and airport authorities ensured that no harm came to anyone on board.

Officials explained that modern aircraft are designed with multiple safety locks, and it is almost impossible to open an emergency exit when the plane is pressurized or even during taxiing. However, any such attempt is taken very seriously as it poses a risk to flight safety and can cause panic among passengers. The authorities said Sujit Singh would be booked under laws that deal with acts that endanger flight operations.

Meanwhile, the incident also led to a short delay in operations at Varanasi airport as security checks were intensified following the scare. Other flights continued as per schedule once clearance was given.

Last month, Akasa Air — a three-year-old Indian airline — announced major expansion plans for both its domestic and international routes. The carrier is one of the newest players in the Indian aviation market but has grown rapidly since its launch. It has already started operations to international destinations such as Doha and Jeddah and is now looking to expand further.

The airline recently announced that it will begin non-stop flights from Cochin and Chennai to Abu Dhabi, with Delhi becoming its third operational base after Bengaluru and Mumbai. From Delhi, Akasa Air plans to operate more than 165 weekly flights, connecting major Indian cities and offering passengers more travel options.

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Additionally, the airline is also focusing on improving its international network, especially in the Middle East. It plans a 14 per cent increase in flights departing from Abu Dhabi and has partnered with Etihad Airways through a codeshare agreement to strengthen connectivity. Departures from Jeddah will rise to 26 flights per week — a huge 270 per cent increase compared to Winter 2024 — while flights to Riyadh will increase to five times per week.

The recent incident in Varanasi, however, serves as a reminder of the challenges that airlines face when it comes to ensuring passenger discipline and safety. Aviation experts have often warned that passengers must strictly follow safety instructions while on board. Even minor acts, such as tampering with safety equipment or trying to open exits, can have serious legal consequences.

Police officials said that the investigation into the case is ongoing and that the final report will be submitted after reviewing CCTV footage and crew statements. Authorities have also reminded travelers to act responsibly and understand that flight safety rules are there to protect everyone.

Though the flight eventually reached Mumbai safely, the unexpected incident delayed travel for many and caused unnecessary stress among passengers. The airline reiterated that all safety systems worked effectively and that its staff handled the situation with professionalism and care.

As air travel continues to grow rapidly in India, maintaining safety awareness among passengers remains a top priority. The Varanasi incident highlights how even a moment of curiosity or carelessness inside an aircraft can lead to serious trouble. Airlines and authorities are now emphasizing stronger communication and awareness programs to ensure such incidents do not occur again.