Delhi: An alleged altercation at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has drawn widespread attention after a SpiceJet passenger accused an Air India Express pilot of physical assault at Terminal 1. The incident, which reportedly occurred in the security check-in area, has sparked sharp reactions online and raised serious questions about passenger safety and staff conduct at one of the country’s busiest airports.
The passenger, Ankit Dewan, shared his account on social media, stating that the incident unfolded while he was travelling with his family, including his seven-year-old daughter and a four-month-old infant. According to Dewan, airport personnel directed his family to a designated staff security lane due to the presence of a stroller. He alleged that several airline staff members began bypassing the queue ahead of him, prompting him to raise an objection.
Dewan claimed that the situation escalated when an Air India Express pilot, whom he identified as Captain Virender, reacted aggressively to his protest. He alleged that the pilot verbally abused him and used derogatory language, questioning his ability to read signage and making personal remarks. The verbal exchange, Dewan said, soon turned violent.
Sharing photographs online, Dewan alleged that he was physically assaulted, resulting in visible bleeding on his face. He stated that the incident took place in front of his children, leaving his elder daughter deeply shaken. Another image posted by Dewan appeared to show bloodstains on the alleged assailant’s shirt, which he claimed was his own blood.
In further allegations, Dewan stated that after the incident he was pressured into writing a statement indicating he would not pursue the matter. He claimed he was warned that refusing to comply could result in him missing his flight and suffering financial losses related to pre-booked travel arrangements. He questioned why he could not formally lodge a complaint later and sought clarity on whether CCTV footage would be preserved if a delayed complaint was filed.
Following the public outcry, Air India Express released an official statement strongly condemning the alleged behaviour. The airline confirmed that the employee named in the complaint has been removed from active duties with immediate effect, pending a detailed internal investigation. The carrier emphasized that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry.
Air India Express also clarified that the individual involved was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding strict standards of professionalism and conduct among its employees.
