DELHI- An alleged assault involving an off-duty Air India Express (IX) pilot and a SpiceJet (SG) passenger at Delhi Airport has triggered airline action and raised concerns over airport security conduct.
The incident occurred at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1, New Delhi (DEL), where a dispute at the security checkpoint escalated into a physical confrontation.
Air India Express Pilot Assaults Passenger
According to the passenger, the confrontation began during the security screening process at Terminal 1. The SpiceJet (SG) passenger, Ankit Dewan, stated that airport staff directed him and his family to use a priority security lane normally reserved for staff and passengers requiring special assistance, as they were traveling with a four-month-old infant in a stroller.
Dewan alleged that several airline staff members, including Air India Express (IX) Captain Virender Sejwal, were using the same lane and bypassing the queue. When Dewan objected, he claimed the pilot confronted him verbally, and the exchange quickly escalated.
Dewan accused the pilot of physically assaulting him, resulting in visible injuries that required medical attention.
In a detailed post shared publicly on X, Dewan said the incident left him bleeding and emotionally shaken. He stated that the altercation unfolded in front of his family, including his seven-year-old daughter, who he said remains traumatized by what she witnessed.
Dewan questioned whether individuals unable to control their behavior should be entrusted with flying duties. He also criticized Delhi Airport management, alleging that combining staff entry points with passengers traveling with infants created confusion and heightened tension at a critical security area.
Claims of Coercion and Complaint Barriers
The passenger further alleged that he was pressured into signing a letter stating he would not pursue the matter further.
He claimed the alternative presented to him was missing his flight and losing holiday bookings worth approximately ₹1.2 lakh.
Dewan also questioned why he was unable to file a police complaint before departure and expressed concern over the potential loss of CCTV evidence during his absence from Delhi.
Air India Express Response and Immediate Action
Air India Express (IX) responded publicly to the allegations, stating that the pilot involved was immediately removed from official duties pending further action. The airline expressed regret over the incident and condemned the behavior attributed to its employee.
The airline clarified that the pilot was traveling as a passenger on another airline at the time of the incident and emphasized its commitment to appropriate disciplinary measures.
According to sources cited by news agency PTI, the pilot later traveled to Bengaluru (BLR) on an IndiGo Airlines (6E) flight following the incident.
The matter continues to draw attention to conduct expectations for airline staff, even when off duty, and the need for clearer separation between staff and passenger security processes at busy airports.
Similar Incident
A violent incident involving SpiceJet ground staff and a senior Indian Army officer at Srinagar Airport (SXR) has raised serious concerns over passenger conduct and airport security.
The altercation, triggered by a dispute over excess cabin baggage, left two SpiceJet employees seriously injured and has prompted legal action, regulatory escalation, and an internal military inquiry.
Altercation at Srinagar Airport Raises Security Concerns
The incident occurred on July 26, 2025, at Srinagar Airport (SXR) when Lt. Col. Ritesh Kumar Singh, an Indian Army officer posted in Gulmarg, attempted to board a SpiceJet (SG) flight with 16 kg of cabin baggage. This exceeded the airline’s permitted 7 kg limit.
According to the airline, the passenger refused to pay the applicable excess baggage charges. He allegedly bypassed standard boarding checks and attempted to enter the aerobridge without authorization. A CISF officer intervened and escorted him back to the boarding gate.
At the gate, the situation escalated. The officer reportedly assaulted a SpiceJet staff member, delivering a punch that rendered the employee unconscious. The attack continued even after the employee collapsed. A second staff member who tried to assist was kicked in the face.
Both injured employees were taken to the hospital. SpiceJet confirmed that one suffered a spinal fracture, while the other sustained serious facial injuries involving the nose and jaw.
Airline Seeks Legal and Regulatory Action
SpiceJet has described the incident as a murderous assault and has filed a First Information Report with local authorities. The airline has also formally approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation, seeking strict punitive action.
In line with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation rules, SpiceJet is pursuing the inclusion of the passenger on India’s no-fly list. The airline stated it will exhaust all legal and regulatory remedies to ensure accountability.
Airport authorities have handed over CCTV footage to the police. Investigations are ongoing, and the matter remains under active review by law enforcement agencies.
Indian Army Orders Internal Inquiry
While the Indian Army has not issued a public statement, sources have confirmed that the incident is under internal investigation.
An inquiry has reportedly been ordered after the Army took cognisance of the events at Srinagar Airport (SXR).
The case has drawn attention to the risks posed by unauthorized access to restricted airport areas. Attempting to enter an aerobridge without clearance and engaging in physical violence against airline staff constitute serious breach of aviation security protocols.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
