9 detained by CISF after man tries to enter cockpit of Air India Express Bengaluru-Varanasi flight

BENGALURU: Nine passengers, including a man named Mani, were detained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) after they attempted to breach the cockpit of an Air India Express flight bound for Varanasi from Bengaluru.

Mani allegedly tried to open the cockpit door, claiming he was looking for the lavatory, and even entered the correct passcode. However, pilot Siddharth Sharma refused to open the door and promptly informed air traffic control. Mani claimed he was a first-time flyer and was looking for the toilet when he attempted to access the cockpit.

After landing, Mani and his eight companions were handed over to CISF personnel for further investigation. All nine passengers were detained for questioning to determine the motive behind the act. Air India Express confirmed that their robust safety and security protocols were in place and not compromised during the incident.