Transavia investigated after cockpit seats used to resolve overbooking on Hurghada–Amsterdam flight

Transavia is under scrutiny following an unusual overbooking incident on a February 21 flight from Hurghada to Amsterdam (HV6134, operated by Airbus A321neo registered PH-YHC), where a woman and a young girl were allowed to sit in cockpit jumpseats for the entire journey.

According to passenger accounts, the flight was overbooked and, instead of denying boarding under standard EU passenger rights rules, the captain reportedly asked for volunteers to occupy the cockpit seats. The two non-crew passengers remained in the flight deck during all phases of flight, including takeoff and landing, raising serious safety and regulatory concerns.

The incident has sparked debate over aviation security standards, particularly regarding cockpit access restrictions introduced after 9/11. While experts note that European Union Aviation Safety Agency rules may allow limited non-crew access under specific conditions, such use is highly unusual and subject to strict controls.

Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport has described the situation as “undesirable” and confirmed it has raised concerns with the airline, though no formal investigation is currently underway. Transavia has launched its own internal review and indicated it will adjust its policies.

The case highlights tensions between operational flexibility and strict aviation safety protocols, with critics arguing that commercial pressures—such as avoiding denied boarding compensation—may have influenced a decision that challenges established security norms.