Airline Moves Swiftly as Incident Raises Broader Security Questions
DELHI — An alleged physical assault involving an off-duty Air India Express pilot and a SpiceJet passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has prompted immediate airline action and renewed scrutiny of airport security procedures, particularly the handling of staff and passenger screening at busy terminals.
The incident occurred at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport, where a dispute at the security checkpoint reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation. While no aviation operations were disrupted, the episode has sparked public debate over professional conduct standards for airline personnel and the adequacy of airport crowd-management protocols.
Dispute at Security Checkpoint Escalates
According to the passenger involved, Ankit Dewan, the confrontation began during routine security screening. Dewan stated that airport staff directed him and his family to use a priority security lane typically reserved for airline crew and passengers requiring special assistance, as he was traveling with a four-month-old infant in a stroller.
Dewan alleged that several airline staff members, including Air India Express Captain Virender Sejwal, were using the same lane and bypassing the queue. When he objected to what he perceived as preferential access, a verbal exchange followed and quickly escalated.
Dewan accused the pilot of physically assaulting him, resulting in visible injuries that required medical attention. The incident reportedly unfolded in full view of his family, including his seven-year-old daughter.
Public Allegations and Emotional Impact
In a detailed post shared publicly on X, Dewan said the incident left him bleeding and emotionally shaken. He described the experience as traumatic for his family and questioned whether individuals unable to control their behavior should be entrusted with passenger safety responsibilities.
He also criticized airport management, alleging that the practice of routing airline staff and passengers with infants through the same security lane created confusion and unnecessary tension at an already sensitive checkpoint.
Claims of Coercion and Barriers to Complaint
Beyond the alleged assault, Dewan claimed he was pressured into signing a letter stating he would not pursue the matter further. He alleged that the alternative presented to him was missing his flight and losing holiday bookings valued at approximately ₹1.2 lakh.
He further questioned why he was unable to file a police complaint before departing Delhi and raised concerns that CCTV footage related to the incident could be lost during his absence from the city.
Air India Express Responds
Air India Express responded publicly, stating that the pilot involved was immediately removed from official duties pending further investigation. The airline expressed regret over the incident and condemned the behavior attributed to its employee.
The carrier clarified that the pilot was traveling as a passenger on another airline at the time of the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to appropriate disciplinary measures. According to sources cited by news agency PTI, the pilot later traveled to Bengaluru on an IndiGo flight.
The episode has intensified focus on expectations for airline employees even when off duty, as well as the reputational risks airlines face from misconduct occurring in public airport spaces.
Separate Violent Incident Highlights Wider Concerns
The Delhi altercation follows another high-profile incident involving airport violence. In July, a dispute between SpiceJet ground staff and a senior Indian Army officer at Srinagar Airport raised serious concerns about passenger conduct and aviation security enforcement.
The confrontation reportedly began over excess cabin baggage and escalated into physical violence that left two SpiceJet employees seriously injured, including one with a spinal fracture. SpiceJet has since filed a police complaint, approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and initiated steps to place the passenger on India’s no-fly list.
Growing Focus on Airport Security and Conduct
Together, the two incidents have amplified calls for stricter enforcement of behavioral standards within airport premises and clearer separation between staff-only access points and passenger security channels.
As air travel volumes continue to rise, aviation stakeholders face mounting pressure to ensure that security checkpoints remain orderly, transparent, and free from confrontations that undermine passenger confidence and airline credibility.
Investigations into both cases remain ongoing, with law enforcement and regulatory authorities reviewing available evidence.
