A senior pilot with Air India Express has been removed from flying duties following a shocking physical altercation with a passenger at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 1) on Friday. The incident, which left the passenger with a bloodied face, erupted over an argument regarding priority access to a security-check lane.
What Triggered the Altercation?
The conflict began at a security-check lane designated for airport staff and crew. Passenger Ankit Dewan, who was travelling with his wife, seven-year-old daughter, and a four-month-old infant, was directed to use this lane by airport staff due to the presence of the baby in a stroller. According to Dewan's account on social media platform X, he confronted Captain Virender Sejwal, who was en route to Bengaluru on an IndiGo flight to join duty, for allegedly cutting the queue.
The situation quickly escalated from a verbal argument to a physical assault. Dewan alleges that the pilot retorted by asking if he was "anpadh" (illiterate), claiming the lane was meant for staff. The pilot, identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, allegedly struck Dewan, leaving him injured. In pictures shared online, Sejwal can be seen with blood stains on his white shirt.
Passenger's Trauma and Allegations of Coercion
Ankit Dewan, who describes himself as a credit card and miles enthusiast, detailed the aftermath of the incident. He stated that he required medical attention upon reaching his destination and expressed deep concern for his young daughter. "My seven-year-old daughter, who saw her father get assaulted brutally, is still traumatised & scared," he wrote.
Dewan also raised serious questions about airport safety and pilot temperament. "If they can't keep their cool in a scuffle, can they be trusted with the lives of hundreds of people in the sky?" he questioned, criticising both the airline and the Delhi airport management for combining passenger and staff entry points.
In a further troubling claim, Dewan alleged he was forced to write a letter stating he would not pursue the case in order to catch his SpiceJet flight and avoid losing holiday bookings worth approximately 1.2 lakh rupees. He questioned the Delhi Police's procedure, asking if the CCTV footage would be unavailable if he filed a complaint after returning to Delhi.
Airline Response and Immediate Consequences
Following the incident, security personnel intervened at the airport. While Captain Sejwal proceeded to Bengaluru, he was barred from operating his scheduled Air India Express flight from there. The airline acted swiftly by grounding the pilot pending a formal inquiry.
Air India Express issued a strong statement condemning the behaviour. An airline spokesperson said, "We are aware of an incident involving one of our employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline... We unequivocally condemn such behaviour... Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry." The airline reiterated its commitment to ensuring its employees act responsibly at all times.
The incident has sparked a debate on passenger rights, airport management, and the conduct of airline staff even when off-duty. The internal inquiry by Air India Express will determine the final disciplinary action against Captain Sejwal.
