In a shocking Breaking News update, a passenger on an Akasa Air flight from Varanasi to Mumbai was arrested after trying to open the emergency exit door before takeoff. The incident took place on November 3, 2025, on flight QP 1497, which was originally scheduled to depart at 6:45 pm from Varanasi Airport.
According to the airline’s official statement, the passenger, identified as Sujit Singh from Jaunpur district, tried to open the emergency exit door cover without permission while the plane was still parked at the bay. Thankfully, no passengers or crew members were injured during the incident.
What Actually Happened
An Akasa Air spokesperson told ANI that the aircraft was still stationary when the man attempted to open the emergency door. The cabin crew immediately noticed his suspicious action and informed the pilot. Following safety protocols, the pilot reported the matter to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and brought the plane back to the apron area.
- The passenger was identified and offloaded before the flight could take off.
- Security officials and airport police quickly took charge of the situation.
- The aircraft was thoroughly inspected by the airline’s engineering team before being cleared for flight again.
- The flight finally departed safely for Mumbai at 9:00 pm after a detailed safety check.
Police Investigation
Local police confirmed that Sujit Singh was taken into custody after the crew reported the incident. Phoolpur Station House Officer (SHO) Praveen Kumar Singh said the man told officers he tried to open the emergency door “out of curiosity.” However, police treated the act as a serious security breach and arrested him under aviation safety laws.
Authorities emphasized that even an attempt to open an emergency exit is considered a major safety violation, especially when passengers and crew are on board. Aviation experts note that such reckless actions could cause panic or risk passenger safety if the plane were moving.
Airline’s Response
Akasa Air said the airline takes passenger safety as its top priority and follows all standard safety procedures.
The spokesperson added:
“All passengers and crew are safe. The aircraft was thoroughly checked by our engineering team before departure. The situation was handled swiftly, and the flight continued its journey after security clearance.”
This is not the first time an airline in India has faced such a situation. Over the past year, there have been several reports of unruly passengers attempting to open aircraft doors or misbehave with crew members. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has repeatedly reminded travelers that such actions can lead to permanent flying bans and criminal charges.
Why It Matters
Experts say this latest incident highlights the need for:
- Stricter pre-boarding screening of passengers showing abnormal behavior.
- Better awareness campaigns about aircraft safety rules.
- Stronger penalties for unruly passengers to prevent future incidents.
The event also adds to growing concerns about air rage and passenger discipline across Indian airlines. The aviation industry continues to recover from pandemic disruptions, and ensuring smooth flight operations has become crucial to maintaining public confidence in air travel.
Broader Impact
This case has once again brought the spotlight on aviation safety measures in India. The DGCA is expected to review Akasa Air’s handling of the situation to ensure that all emergency procedures were followed correctly.
Meanwhile, passengers on the flight praised the airline’s crew for handling the incident calmly and ensuring everyone’s safety. The police have confirmed that Sujit Singh will remain under custody until further investigation is completed.
As India’s aviation sector expands rapidly, such incidents serve as a reminder that passenger safety depends on both responsible behavior and strict enforcement of rules.
This story remains under close watch as authorities continue their investigation. Stay tuned for more Latest News, Breaking News, and Daily news highlights on this developing story.
