Panic on Varanasi-Mumbai Akasa Air Flight as Passenger Attempts to Open Emergency Exit; Arrested
Flight delayed as passenger arrested for trying to open exit before takeoff.
A major scare unfolded on Akasa Air’s flight QP 1497 from Varanasi to Mumbai on the evening of November 3, 2025, when a passenger attempted to open the aircraft’s emergency exit door without authorization. The flight, scheduled to depart at 6:45 pm from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, had to be returned to the apron after the incident was reported by the cabin crew.
The passenger, identified as Sujit Singh from Gaura Badshahpur in Jaunpur district, allegedly tried to open the emergency exit while the aircraft was taxiing toward the runway. Upon being alerted, the pilot immediately contacted Air Traffic Control and reversed course to the parking bay. All passengers were safely escorted off the plane as security personnel detained Singh for questioning.
According to Phoolpur Station House Officer Praveen Kumar Singh, Sujit Singh claimed that his attempt to open the emergency exit was driven by curiosity. The authorities have booked him under relevant legal provisions. No passengers or crew were harmed during the incident.
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After a thorough security inspection and clearance by the engineering team, the flight resumed its journey and departed for Mumbai at around 7:45 pm, nearly an hour after the scheduled time. Akasa Air confirmed that all standard operating protocols were followed and that the safety of all passengers and crew was maintained throughout.
This unsettling event highlights the importance of vigilance and strict adherence to safety regulations aboard commercial flights. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
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