A bizarre mid-air incident unfolded on Monday aboard an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi, when a first-time flyer allegedly tried to open the cockpit door, mistaking it for the toilet. The flight, IX-1086, experienced a brief security scare after the passenger, identified only as “Mr Mani,” attempted to enter the cockpit by pressing its security code.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the aircraft's crew was immediately alerted by the security system when Mani entered the wrong code. The pilot, alarmed by the attempted access, denied entry and alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC), fearing a possible hijack attempt.

Sources familiar with the situation said Mani claimed ignorance, telling the crew he believed the cockpit door was the lavatory. He also said he was unaware of flight protocols as it was his first time flying. The situation escalated further as Mani was part of a larger group of nine passengers, all of whom were taken into custody for questioning upon arrival in Varanasi.

Air India Express issued a statement confirming the incident and reassured the public that safety and security measures onboard were never compromised. “We reaffirm that robust safety and security protocols are in place and were not compromised. The matter was reported to the relevant authorities on landing and is currently under investigation,” the airline said. The passenger was handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as per standard protocol, and later to the Uttar Pradesh Police.

This incident comes just a day after another lapse in protocol involving Air India, when a London-to-Delhi flight was delayed by two hours after ground staff mistakenly marked a passenger as boarded. The individual never got on the plane and instead wandered into the arrivals section. The aircraft had already begun taxiing and had to return to the gate before takeoff once the discrepancy was discovered.

Both events have raised fresh concerns about passenger awareness and airport security protocols, especially amid the busy festive travel season. Investigations into both cases are currently underway.