A passenger was arrested on Thursday for allegedly attempting to open the emergency exit door of a Batik Air flight while it was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi, police said. The passenger allegedly tried to force open the aircraft's emergency exit, damaged the window panel, and threatened fellow passengers during the flight, creating a safety concern for everyone on board. The accused has been identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, an Indian national from Kootannad in Kerala's Palakkad district. He was travelling on Batik Air flight OD231, which was operating from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Kochi, Kerala.

According to the FIR registered in connection with the incident, the alleged act took place between 9.30 pm and 11.05 pm on Wednesday while the aircraft was airborne. According to police officials, Athanikkal attempted to open the aircraft's emergency exit door during the flight and caused damage to the exit window panel in the process. The FIR stated that his actions posed a threat to the safety of passengers and crew members onboard. Police also alleged that he behaved in a threatening manner towards fellow passengers during the incident.

The case was registered following a complaint filed by the Security In-Charge of Batik Air at Kochi. After the flight landed and passengers disembarked, the accused was taken into custody by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the airport. He was later handed over to the Nedumbassery Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the passenger's alleged actions during the flight.

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Officials are expected to examine statements from passengers and airline staff as part of the inquiry. Incidents involving attempts to interfere with aircraft operations are treated as serious offences due to the potential risks to passenger safety. Aviation security protocols require passengers to follow crew instructions and prohibit any attempt to access emergency exits without authorisation, particularly while an aircraft is in operation.

Airlines and security agencies have repeatedly emphasised that disruptive behaviour onboard can endanger hundreds of passengers and crew members. Emergency exits are designed to be used only during authorised situations, and any unauthorised attempt to operate them can have serious consequences. The arrest comes as aviation authorities continue to focus on maintaining strict safety standards on domestic and international flights. Further action against the passenger will depend on the findings of the police investigation and the legal proceedings initiated under relevant aviation and criminal laws.

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