In a startling incident, the calm of a Paris-to-Bengaluru Air France flight was disrupted on July 15 when a flyer attempted to open one of the emergency doors mid-air.

The quick action of the flight crew averted a potential disaster, leading to the arrest of the passenger upon landing at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The man, identified as Venkat Mohit Pathipati, a 29-year-old hailing from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, is now out on bail.

The incident unfolded approximately four hours before the scheduled landing of flight AFR194 in Bengaluru.

The flight, which took off from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris at 10.55 a.m., carried passengers from diverse backgrounds, including Pathipati, who was visiting Bengaluru for personal reasons while employed at a private firm in the United States.

According to the complaint lodged by the duty manager of Air France India, Pathipati allegedly made a reckless attempt to manipulate the lever on the back door located on the left side of the aircraft.

The attentive crew swiftly intervened, thwarting his efforts and ensuring the door remained securely shut throughout the journey. Upon reaching their destination, the flight crew promptly reported the incident, prompting the authorities to take immediate action.

The distressing episode triggered panic among the passengers, who were undoubtedly shaken by the potential consequences of such an act at 35,000 feet above the ground.

The gravity of the situation was reflected in the charges filed against Mr. Pathipati under Sections 336 of the IPC and 29 of the Aircraft Rules of 1937. These charges pertain to a rash or negligent act endangering the life or personal safety of others and disorderly conduct in an aircraft that jeopardises the safety of the aircraft or its occupants, respectively.

As the investigation continues, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for the aviation industry to review and strengthen security measures on board.