Passenger cracks exit window on Batik Air OD231 to Kochi

An Indian national in seat 12A on Batik Air OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi cracked the emergency-exit window panel on the evening of 5 August, producing a brief cabin-pressure loss. Cabin pressurization kept the exit from opening fully, though air rushed in and damaged some panels. Passengers and crew restrained him with zip ties until the aircraft landed in Kochi. No passengers or crew were injured.

The episode ran between about 9:30 pm and 11:05 pm. CISF detained him on arrival. Kerala police charged him after a complaint by the airline. Police found no provocation and said he had met standard check-in rules. Tests showed no immediate alcohol intoxication. Batik Air had not explained how he was assigned the exit-row seat.

A pressurized cabin door cannot open fully in flight. A cracked exit can still lose pressure and disrupt an otherwise ordinary Batik Air sector. There is nothing to rebook, as the passenger is in custody and Batik Air has not explained the exit-row assignment.