A senior Air India Express pilot has been grounded after an alleged physical assault on a passenger at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1, following a dispute over the use of a security lane reserved for airline staff.
The incident, which took place on Friday, began as a verbal altercation but escalated into violence, prompting intervention by airport security personnel. The airline has confirmed that the pilot has been taken off flying duties pending an internal inquiry.
Dispute at Security Checkpoint
According to the passenger, Ankit Dewan, the confrontation occurred at the security screening area when he and his family used a lane designated for airline staff. Dewan said airport personnel had directed his family to that lane because they were travelling with a four-month-old infant in a stroller.
Dewan’s family included his wife, their seven-year-old daughter, and the infant. He said the lane was also being used for passengers requiring special assistance.
The disagreement began when Captain Virender Sejwal, a pilot with Air India Express, objected to Dewan’s presence in the staff lane. Dewan alleged that the pilot used derogatory language and questioned his literacy, triggering a heated exchange.
Argument Escalates into Assault
Dewan said the verbal argument quickly turned physical. He claimed the pilot assaulted him, leaving him bleeding. Photographs later shared on social media showed Dewan in a blood-stained white shirt.
Airport security personnel stepped in to separate the two men and prevent further escalation. Dewan said he sought medical attention soon after the incident.
He also stated that his seven-year-old daughter witnessed the assault and remains traumatised.
Social Media Post Brings Incident to Light
Dewan shared a detailed account of the incident on social media platform X, tagging aviation regulators, the airline, and airport authorities. He questioned how a pilot involved in a physical altercation could be trusted with passenger safety.
He also raised concerns about crowd management at the terminal and the mixing of staff entry lanes with families carrying infants in a high-security zone.
According to Dewan, airport authorities pressured him to sign a letter stating that he would not pursue the matter further. He claimed officials warned him that refusing could cause him to miss his flight and lose holiday bookings worth ₹1.2 lakh.
Airline Takes Action
Air India Express said it has grounded the pilot involved in the incident. The airline added that it has initiated a disciplinary inquiry and will take action based on the findings.
The pilot was allowed to travel as a passenger on a scheduled flight to Bengaluru but did not operate any aircraft after the incident.
The airline stressed that it does not condone violence or misconduct and is cooperating with authorities.
Police Await Formal Complaint
Delhi Police said they learned of the incident through social media. Officers confirmed that no formal complaint has been filed so far by either the passenger or the airline.
Police officials said they will initiate legal action once the victim submits a written complaint. They also noted that CCTV footage from the terminal can be reviewed if required.
Questions Over Airport Protocols
The incident has sparked broader questions about airport security procedures and passenger handling. Aviation experts say staff lanes should not overlap with passenger movement, especially for families with infants.
The case has also renewed debate on accountability standards for airline crew outside cockpit duties.
As of now, the pilot remains grounded, and investigations by both the airline and authorities are pending.
