Passenger Held At Varanasi Airport For Attempting To Open Flight Emergency Exit

A passenger on a Varanasi to Mumbai flight was detained on Monday for allegedly trying to open the aircraft's emergency exit doors before takeoff.

FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: An Akasa Air passenger aircraft (REUTERS)

It was Akasa Air's flight QP 1497, slotted to depart at 6.45 pm.

An Akasa Air Spokesperson told ANI , “A passenger on flight QP 1497, scheduled to operate from Varanasi to Mumbai on November 03, 2025, attempted to open an emergency exit door cover without authorisation while the aircraft was still stationary at the parking bay".

“The individual was identified, and in line with standard operating protocols, was offloaded and handed over to the relevant authorities. All passengers and crew are safe. The aircraft was thoroughly inspected and cleared by our engineering team before the flight departed at 2100hrs,” added the spokesperson.