An off-duty Air India Express pilot has been accused of physically assaulting a passenger at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about aviation safety and airport management. The incident, which left the passenger with a bloodied face in front of his young family, has yet to be formally reported to the police, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
Altercation at Security Check Over Queue Priority
The confrontation occurred on Friday at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport. Passenger Ankit Dewan was with his wife, seven-year-old daughter, and four-month-old infant, preparing to board a SpiceJet flight. Airport staff reportedly guided his family to a security-check lane typically reserved for aircraft crew and staff, citing the presence of the infant in a stroller.
The situation escalated when Captain Virender Sejwal, an off-duty Air India Express pilot travelling to Bengaluru on an IndiGo flight to join duty, allegedly took issue with Dewan using the lane. According to Dewan's account on social media platform X, the pilot accused him of "cutting the queue." When Dewan protested, the pilot retorted that the lane was meant for staff and asked him if he was "anpadh" (illiterate).
What began as a verbal argument quickly turned physical. Dewan alleges that Captain Sejwal assaulted him, leaving him with a bloodied face. The incident was witnessed by Dewan's family, including his young daughter.
Police Aware But Awaiting Formal Complaint
In an official statement on Saturday, Delhi Police revealed that they learned of the incident through Dewan's social media post. However, neither Ankit Dewan nor Air India Express has filed a formal complaint at any police station.
"With reference to a social media post on platform X by Ankit Dewan, alleging physical assault by an Air India Express pilot at Terminal 1 of the airport, no such matter has been reported to the police station either by Ankit Dewan or by the airline," the police statement read. It added that appropriate legal action would be taken whenever a written complaint is received from the victim.
Dewan, who describes himself as a "credit card & miles enthusiast" on X, detailed the aftermath of the assault. He stated he had to see a doctor upon reaching his destination. He expressed deep concern for his daughter's trauma, writing, "My seven-year-old daughter, who saw her father get assaulted brutally, is still traumatised and scared."
Airline Grounds Pilot, Passenger Questions Safety Protocols
In response to the incident, Air India Express has taken immediate action by grounding the senior pilot, who was rostered for duty on Friday. An airline spokesperson condemned the behaviour unequivocally.
"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 spokesperson said, reiterating the airline's commitment to responsible conduct by its employees.
Beyond the assault itself, Ankit Dewan's social media post raised critical questions about broader safety and management issues. He questioned how the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India Express could allow a pilot with such a temperament to fly. "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 asked.
He also criticised Delhi Airport's management for "combining staff entry with passengers carrying infants," calling it a recipe for chaos in a sensitive security area. "I thought airports were safe places," he concluded, highlighting the breach of trust experienced by a travelling family.
The incident remains under scrutiny as the public awaits a formal police complaint and the conclusion of the airline's internal inquiry, which will determine the final disciplinary action against Captain Virender Sejwal.
