A routine domestic flight turned into a scene of panic and confusion when a passenger attempted to open the emergency exit door while the aircraft was preparing for departure from Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
The incident occurred on Tuesday aboard SpiceJet flight SG-362, which was scheduled to travel from Varanasi to Delhi. According to airport authorities, the passenger, identified as Ankur Sharma, suddenly moved toward the emergency exit and attempted to open it while the aircraft was still at the boarding gate.
Quick Response Prevents Disaster
Alert cabin crew members immediately intervened and restrained the passenger before he could successfully operate the emergency mechanism. The timely action prevented what could have been a catastrophic situation, as deploying the emergency slide on ground could have caused injuries to passengers and ground staff.
"The crew acted with remarkable presence of mind and prevented a potentially dangerous situation," stated a senior airport security official who requested anonymity.
Passenger Detained and Questioned
Following the incident, the airline staff alerted the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at the airport. Security forces promptly removed the passenger from the aircraft and took him into custody for questioning.
Initial investigations suggest the passenger might have been under psychological stress, though authorities are continuing their probe to determine the exact motive behind his actions. The flight eventually departed after a security clearance and mandatory checks.
Aviation Security Protocols Activated
The incident triggered standard security protocols at Varanasi airport, with additional checks conducted on the aircraft before it was cleared for departure. Aviation security experts emphasize that such incidents, while rare, highlight the importance of vigilant cabin crew and robust security measures.
This marks another incident in a series of recent aviation security concerns across Indian airports, raising questions about passenger screening and in-flight security protocols.
