Air India Express Bahrain-Bound Flight Diverted to Mumbai Because of Unruly Passenger

Airlines always strive to reach their destination on time, in order to build passenger trust and to maintain aircraft’s operational efficiency. There are scarce chances that the crew would divert a plane unless there is an emergency. But in some cases, some passengers make the journey unbearable and prompt the crew to divert the aircraft.

A similar incident occurred with an aircraft flying from Kozhikode to Bahrain. Because of an unruly passenger onboard, the Air India Express flight had to divert to Mumbai.

Air India Express Diversion Because of Unruly Passenger

On 1 June, Air India Express Boeing 737-800 registered as VT-AYB was operating flight IX473 from Kozhikode to Bahrain. The aircraft departed on time from Kozhikode at 10:23 AM. After takeoff, it climbed to its cruising altitude of 37,000 ft.

During the flight, a 25-year-old passenger named Abdul Nadukkandiyil, seated at 15T started behaving abnormally. He made an attempt to open the emergency exit door. In addition, he started abusing and physically assaulting his fellow passengers.

When the cabin crew members tried to stop him, he started abusing them as well. The crew members said that it was dangerous for everyone onboard the flight. 15T is near the emergency exit door. Hence, after this episode, his seat was changed.

At 11:23 AM, the aircraft started turning towards Mumbai Airport. It descended down and landed safely at 01:21 PM. The aircraft docked at bay V-10 at Mumbai Airport. The pilots had already informed the ground staff regarding the assault. Upon landing, the unruly passenger was escorted out of the aircraft and detained by security agencies.

After offloading the unruly passenger, the aircraft again took off from Mumbai Airport at 02:46 PM IST. It arrived in Bahrain at 05:51 PM IST.

Case Filed Against The Passenger

Upon landing, the security agencies at the airport and the security department of Air India took cognizance of the situation. The aircraft crew handed over all the relevant documents to the security department. Since the aircraft diverted to Mumbai, the case comes under Sahar Police.

The accused was brought to Sahar Police Station, where a case was filed against him. He has been booked under IPC sections 323, 336, 504, and 506. Aircraft Act Section 22 has been added to this. These sections deal with people endangering life, provoking, criminal intimidation, and assaulting others.

The aircraft involved in this incident is a nearly 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 registered as VT-AYB. Similar to other AI Express B737s, this one is painted with White Tiger/Spotted Dear special livery. It was delivered to the airline in 2009. In 2017, this aircraft was involved in an incident at Kochi Airport, where the nose wheel collapsed as the aircraft fell into a concrete water drain, because of the incorrect judgment from the cockpit crew.

Conclusion

A passenger traveling onboard an Air India Express flight started to act unruly without provocation. He attempted to open the aircraft emergency door and assaulted his fellow passengers. He even abused the crew members. As a result, the aircraft was diverted to Mumbai to deboard the passenger. A case has been booked against the passenger in Mumbai Sahar Police Station.

What do you think about such unruly incidents onboard aircraft? Discuss in the comment section.