An official probe has been ordered after an off-duty Air India Express pilot reportedly assaulted a passenger during a scuffle at Terminal 1 of the Delhi airport. The altercation, which is now under scrutiny, exploded between the pilot and the flyer over a priority security lane. The argument escalated into physical violence that left the passenger injured. This issue raised serious safety and procedural questions about conduct at one of the country’s busiest transport hubs.
What happened at Terminal 1?
According to TOI, the authorities and eyewitnesses reported that the clash began late Friday afternoon when passenger Ankit Dewan, who was travelling with his family, including a young child, was guided by airport security to use a security check lane. It is a lane usually reserved for airline crew and staff members. As the guide led Dewan through, a senior Air India Express pilot identified as Captain Virender Sejwal was also using the same lane. He arrived as a passenger to catch another flight.
The situation reportedly turned into a heated verbal exchange after Dewan questioned the lane usage and accused the pilot and others of cutting the queue. The pilot allegedly taunted Dewan, which quickly resulted in physical violence. Dewan later posted on social media that he was struck by the pilot, resulting in a bloody face. The incident occurred before his family, including his seven-year-old daughter, who was left traumatised by what she witnessed.
In the immediate aftermath, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the scene separated the two men and offered medical assistance. Dewan was reportedly asked to file a police complaint but chose not to do so at the time, recording his declination in writing.
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Government action
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken quick notice of the incident, asking Air India Express to ground the pilot with immediate effect. The body has initiated a formal inquiry into the matter. The detailed reports have been requested from both the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the CISF on how the situation evolved and why intervention did not occur sooner, especially given the presence of security personnel.
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Air India Express issued a statement expressing regret over the incident. The company condemned such behaviour, stressing that the employee involved has been removed from all flight duties pending investigation. The airline reassured its commitment to passenger safety and cooperation with authorities throughout the inquiry.
