India, Sept. 22 -- A passenger aboard an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi allegedly tried opening the cockpit door mid-air, causing a scare, on Monday. The airlines issued a statement that the person had taken a flight for the first time, and he "approached the cockpit entry area while looking for the lavatory".

"We reaffirm that robust safety and security protocols are in place and were not compromised," said a spokesperson for Air India Express, adding, "The matter was reported to the relevant authorities on landing and is currently under investigation."

The incident took place on the Air India Express flight IX-1086, it is learnt. "The passenger who tried to open the cockpit door was a first-time flier. When asked ...