Passenger Arrested for Allegedly Trying to Open Emergency Exit on Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Flight

A passenger travelling on a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi was arrested after allegedly attempting to open the aircraft's emergency exit mid-flight, damaging part of the exit and threatening fellow passengers and cabin crew, police said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, was travelling on Batik Air flight OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident took place between 9:30 pm and 11:05 pm while the aircraft was airborne.

Police alleged that Athanikkal attempted to force open the aircraft's emergency exit, damaged the window panel of the exit door and intimidated passengers and crew members, creating a serious safety risk on board. The alleged actions prompted immediate intervention by the cabin crew, who managed to restrain the passenger and prevent any further escalation until the aircraft landed safely.

Following the flight's arrival at Cochin International Airport early Thursday, the passenger was taken into custody based on a complaint filed by Batik Air's Security In-Charge.

Police have registered a case against the accused under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for 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.

Authorities said the alleged attempt to tamper with the emergency exit and the threats made during the flight endangered the safety of everyone on board, prompting swift action by the airline's crew and law enforcement officials.

The accused remains in police custody, and further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the incident and whether any additional charges may be invoked. The airline has not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident.