Passenger Allegedly Attempts to Open Emergency Exit Mid-Air on Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Flight, Arrested

A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to open the emergency exit of a Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Batik Air flight mid-air, triggering panic among passengers before he was overpowered by fellow travellers and the cabin crew, police said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Jamsheer, a native of Palakkad, was travelling on Batik Air flight OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday night when the incident occurred, according to the First Information Report (FIR).

Emergency Exit Allegedly Tampered With Mid-Flight

According to the FIR, the incident took place between 9.30 pm and 11.05 pm while the aircraft was airborne.

Police alleged that Jamsheer damaged the inner window panel of the emergency exit and attempted to force the aircraft door open. He also allegedly threatened fellow passengers and members of the cabin crew during the incident.

A potentially serious situation was averted after passengers and airline staff intervened and restrained him before the aircraft landed safely.

Arrested After Flight Lands in Kochi

Jamsheer was taken into custody by the Kerala Police soon after the flight arrived at Kochi in the early hours of Thursday.

The case was registered on the complaint of Batik Air's Security In-Charge. Police said a detailed investigation is underway.

He has been booked under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal intimidation), Section 11A of the Aircraft Act for violating aircraft safety and security directions, and Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act for acts endangering public safety.

Passenger Describes 'Frightening Experience'

A fellow passenger, Matty Mathew, described the incident in a social media post accompanied by a video.

According to Mathew, most passengers were asleep on the overnight flight when they were awakened by the sound of air rushing through the cabin after a passenger seated in the emergency exit row allegedly damaged the emergency exit window and interfered with the door.

He said the aircraft door remained shut because of its design and cabin pressure, while passengers and Batik Air crew quickly restrained the man before the situation escalated.

"It was an extremely frightening experience, but thankfully, all of us are safe," Mathew wrote.