A security incident occurred on an Air India Express flight IX-1086 from Bengaluru to Varanasi on Monday, September 22, 2025, when a passenger attempted to access the cockpit mid-flight. The passenger, identified as Mr. Mani, reportedly tried to open the cockpit door, and in some accounts, even entered the correct passcode. However, the captain, fearing a potential hijack, kept the door locked.

According to reports, the passenger claimed he was a first-time flyer and mistook the cockpit door for the lavatory. He allegedly entered random digits on the keypad, triggering a security buzzer inside the flight deck. However, police sources indicated that the correct cockpit code was entered. The incident occurred shortly after the flight took off from Bengaluru at approximately 8:00 AM.

The crew confronted the passenger, who returned to his seat. The captain alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Varanasi. Upon landing in Varanasi at 10:18 AM, the passenger and his eight companions were taken into custody by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for questioning. Security agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad, also interrogated the group. Security officials later confirmed that there was no malicious intent behind the act.

Air India Express acknowledged the incident and stated that robust safety and security protocols were in place and were not compromised. An airline spokesperson stated, "We are aware of media reports regarding an incident on one of our flights to Varanasi, where a passenger approached the cockpit entry area while looking for the lavatory. 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 has categorized the act as "level-three unruly behaviour", the highest on the scale, covering interference with aircraft systems and punishable with a "no-fly listing" of at least two years and possibly a lifetime ban. Air India Express indicated it would treat the matter seriously and consider placing the passenger on the no-fly list.

This incident has raised concerns about passenger awareness and cabin design, with some aviation experts calling for clearer signage and stronger pre-flight instructions. It also highlights the strict security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the cockpit. Modern commercial aircraft have a bulletproof locked door, and entry requires a special procedure involving an intercom call and pilot authorization. Emergency codes are known to cabin crew but only unlock the door for five seconds after a two-minute delay. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates that only flight crew, pilots, and authorized personnel may enter cockpits mid-flight.