In a deeply disturbing incident, a female passenger reportedly threatened to crash an Air India Express flight over a luggage dispute, sparking panic among passengers and crew. This comes at a time when the nation is already reeling from the tragic AI171 crash, making the timing of this scare all the more traumatic for many.
Incident Onboard Air India Express Flight IX2749
The flight in question, Air India Express Flight IX2749, was operating on June 17, 2025, from Bengaluru to Surat. According to officials, a 36-year-old woman, identified as Vyas Hiral Mohanbhai, allegedly caused a major security scare after boarding the flight with extra baggage.
Vyas, who claimed to be an Ayurvedic doctor, reportedly entered the aircraft without going through the regular check-in process and attempted to store her additional bags in a restricted crew area.
Verbal Altercation and Shocking Threat
When the cabin crew objected to her storing luggage in a prohibited area, the woman refused to comply, leading to a heated argument. Despite repeated requests from the flight attendants to store the bag in the overhead bin near her assigned seat (20F), Vyas allegedly continued to argue and abused the staff.
In a shocking outburst, she is reported to have shouted:
“Keep my bag or I will crash the plane.”
This threat of crashing the aircraft led to immediate concerns for flight safety and triggered a security protocol.
Security Responds Promptly
The pilot, upon learning about the incident, immediately alerted airport security and CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel. Authorities boarded the aircraft and offloaded the disruptive passenger, causing a delay of nearly two hours.
Police Investigation and Passenger Background
A formal complaint was filed by a security associate at Kempegowda International Airport. The woman was taken into custody, but even at the police station, she allegedly continued to abuse and misbehave with officers, further escalating the situation.
A senior police officer remarked:
“This was the first time we heard such abusive language in the station.”
Further investigation revealed that the woman is no longer practising medicine, and was reportedly traveling to Gujarat to visit her family. Her husband, who works in an educational institution, shared that she had a history of causing public disturbances, which authorities are now reviewing.
A Nation on Edge
With the country still mourning the devastating Air India AI171 crash, this new mid-air scare has intensified anxieties surrounding flight safety and passenger conduct. Though no physical harm was caused, the psychological impact on fellow passengers and staff cannot be underestimated.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of onboard discipline and security compliance. With aviation safety already under the microscope, incidents like these highlight the critical need for mental health checks, especially for individuals engaging in unpredictable behavior on commercial flights.