A West Bengal-bound IndiGo flight was delayed and subjected to tension on Sunday after a passenger attempted to open the emergency exit door while the plane was preparing for takeoff from Chennai airport. The incident occurred with 158 passengers and six crew members on board, and the flight was scheduled to depart for Durgapur in West Bengal. A sudden emergency alarm blared in the cockpit, indicating an attempt to tamper with the emergency door.
The cabin crew immediately investigated and discovered that a passenger, 27-year-old Sarkar, who was seated near the door, had tried to operate the handle. Sarkar, an IIT Madras research student, claimed that he had accidentally pressed the emergency release button and had moved his hand before the door could be deployed. However, his explanation was not accepted by the airline and security personnel, who deboarded him, cancelled his ticket, and returned his checked-in baggage.
Sarkar was then handed over to the Chennai Airport police, and a case was registered against him. Further investigations into the incident are ongoing. After a security sweep, the flight took off to Durgapur approximately an hour behind schedule, with the remaining 157 passengers on board. The incident highlights the importance of passenger safety and the strict protocols in place to ensure that any potential threats are addressed promptly.
The airline and security personnel took swift action to address the situation, and their prompt response prevented any potential harm to the passengers and crew. The incident also serves as a reminder to passengers to be aware of their surroundings and to follow safety instructions carefully to avoid any accidental activation of emergency systems. The investigation into the incident will likely reveal more details about the circumstances surrounding the attempted opening of the emergency exit door, and it is expected that necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.