Kerala Passenger Attempts To Open Emergency Exit Of Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Flight Mid-Air, Threatens Crew

Published 6 August 2026 · india

News india Kerala Passenger Attempts To Open Emergency Exit Of Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Flight Mid-Air, Threatens Crew Kerala Passenger Attempts To Open Emergency Exit Of Kuala

News india Kerala Passenger Attempts To Open Emergency Exit Of Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Flight Mid-Air, Threatens Crew Kerala Passenger Attempts To Open Emergency Exit Of Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Flight Mid-Air, Threatens Crew Published By, Last Updated: August 06, 2026, 16:27 IST The case was registered on a complaint lodged by Batik Air's Security In-Charge at Kochi, and the accused was arrested upon the flight's arrival early on Thursday. The accused was identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, who was travelling on Batik Air flight OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday. A Kerala man allegedly attempted to open the emergency exit of a Kuala Lumpur-Kochi flight mid-air, creating panic among passengers and raising safety concerns.

The accused was identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, a resident of Kootannad in Kerala, who was travelling on Batik Air flight OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday. According to the FIR, the incident took place between 9:30 pm and 11:05 pm while the aircraft was airborne. The passenger allegedly tried to force open the emergency exit, damaged the exit window panel, and threatened fellow passengers, putting the safety of those onboard at risk. The cabin crew reportedly intervened and managed to restrain the passenger during the flight. After the aircraft landed at Kochi airport, Athanikkal was taken into custody by CISF personnel and handed over to the Nedumbassery Police Station for further legal action.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Batik Air’s security in-charge at Kochi. Police arrested the accused after the flight arrived in India early Thursday. The passenger has been booked under multiple sections, including Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation, Section 11A of the Aircraft Act for violating safety or security directions, and Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act for acts endangering public safety. After the incident, Batik Air followed the required procedures under aviation regulations. After inspection and necessary repairs, the aircraft was cleared for operations and later departed on its return service. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Saurabh Verma Chief Sub-Editor Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news.