An Air India Express pilot has been taken off official duties after a passenger accused him of physical assault during an altercation at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 1 in Delhi, prompting an internal inquiry and intervention by the civil aviation ministry.
The allegation was made by Ankit Dewan, who said the incident occurred while he was travelling with his family, including his four-month-old daughter, and had been directed by airport staff to use the staff and PRM security check owing to the presence of an infant in a stroller.
Dewan alleged that several staff members began cutting the queue ahead of him and that the situation escalated when he objected. According to him, a pilot, identified as Captain Virender, who was using the same entry point, questioned his literacy and asked whether he could read signage indicating that the entry was meant for staff.
“The staff was cutting the queue ahead of me. On calling them out, Capt. Virender, who himself was doing the same thing, asked me if I was anpadh (uneducated), and couldn't read the signs that said this entry was for staff,” Dewan said in a detailed post on X.
The verbal exchange allegedly intensified moments later. Dewan claimed the pilot physically assaulted him, leaving him injured.
“Not able to exercise restraint, the AIX [Air India Express] pilot proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody. The blood in the photograph on his shirt is also mine,” he said in another post, in which he revealed the pilot’s identity.
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Dewan added that the incident disrupted his family holiday and left his daughter traumatised after witnessing the altercation.
Air India Express acknowledged the incident in an official statement, confirming that the employee involved was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time. The carrier said the pilot had been removed from duty with immediate effect pending a detailed investigation.
“We profoundly regret this incident at Delhi Airport, involving one of our employees who was traveling as a passenger on another airline. We extend our heartfelt empathy for the distress it has caused, and strongly condemn such behaviour. The concerned employee has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, and appropriate action will be taken pending thorough investigation,” the airline said.
“While we refrain from public comments while due process is followed, please be assured this matter has our highest attention. We remain fully committed to provide due cooperation to law enforcement authorities to ensure a fair and thorough process,” it added.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation also took note of the incident and directed the airline to ground the accused pilot.
“The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken serious cognizance of the incident and directed the airline to ground the pilot with immediate effect. A formal enquiry has been ordered. Detailed reports have been sought from BCAS and CISF,” the ministry said in a post on X.
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