Mid-Air Curiosity: Passenger's Attempted Exit Causes Flight Delay

A passenger aboard Akasa Air flight QP 1497 from Varanasi to Mumbai was detained for attempting to open the aircraft's emergency exit, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident occurred as the plane taxied for takeoff at 6.45 pm on Monday, prompting quick action by the cabin crew who alerted the pilot. The aircraft, already en route to the runway, returned to the apron following instructions from Air Traffic Control.

An Akasa Air spokesperson said:

"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.

At Akasa Air, the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any disruptive behaviour."

Police later identified the passenger as Sujit Singh from Gaura Badshahpur, Jaunpur district. According to Phoolpur Station House Officer Praveen Kumar Singh, Singh claimed he acted "out of curiosity". Following necessary security checks, the flight eventually left for Mumbai around 7.45 pm.