Angry passengers threaten to open cockpit door on delayed flight
Passengers called pilot a ‘loser’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Passengers on a delayed Air India flight became so irate that they banged on the cockpit door, taunting the pilot to come out.
Air India flight AI865 from Delhi to Mumbai, which was delayed by eight hours in total, returned to the aircraft bay due to a technical issue.
Angry at the delay, several passengers starting banging at the cockpit door of the Boeing 747 aircraft, demanding for the captain to come out.
Video footage from the incident shows passengers shouting “captain come out” and calling the pilot a “loser”.
One passenger is heard threatening: “Come out or we will break the door.”
Further video footage shows passengers crowding around the emergency exit and one even wrenching at the handle, demanding to be let off the plane. A member of cabin crew is seen opening it seconds later.
A spokesperson for Air India told The Times of India: “The flight was considerably delayed due to technical reasons.
“Air India management has asked the operating crew for a detailed report on the reported misbehaviour by some passengers.
“Further action would be considered after getting the report.”
The head of India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said: “We have asked the airline to act against the unruly behaviour.”
Data from flight tracking site FlightRadar24 shows flight AI865 eventually landing in Mumbai at 7.49pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments