Kochi, Aug 6 — A major mid-air scare unfolded aboard a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi after a passenger allegedly attempted to open the aircraft's emergency exit door during the journey, forcing cabin crew and fellow passengers to quickly intervene and restrain him until the aircraft landed safely, officials said on Thursday.
The passenger, identified as Jamsheer, a native of Kerala's Palakkad was taken into custody immediately after the aircraft landed at the Cochin International Airport on Wednesday night.
He was initially detained by personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), following which the Nedumbassery Police took him into custody for further investigation.
Police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident.
Officials from multiple agencies are now questioning the passenger to ascertain the circumstances that led to the mid-air scare and whether there was any motive behind his actions.
After the questioning is completed, he is expected to be produced before a local court.
According to investigators, the incident occurred while the aircraft was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi.
The passenger allegedly attempted to open the emergency exit door, prompting the cabin crew to act immediately.
With the assistance of fellow passengers, the crew restrained him, ensuring that the situation did not escalate further.
The aircraft completed the remainder of the flight without further disruption and landed safely at Kochi.
Following the landing, security personnel escorted the passenger out of the aircraft before handing him over to the police.
A complaint lodged by a fellow passenger formed the basis for the registration of the case.
The incident has triggered an investigation by the police and aviation security agencies, which are examining the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the passenger's conduct on board.
Authorities are also expected to review reports submitted by the airline and statements from crew members and passengers as part of the inquiry.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the flight landed safely despite the tense moments on board.