Air India Express Pilot Suspended After Alleged Assault on Passenger at Delhi Airport

Air India Express has suspended one of its pilots following allegations of a physical assault on a passenger at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1. The airline confirmed the action in an official statement, clarifying that the pilot was off-duty at the time and travelling as a passenger on another airline. An internal investigation has been initiated, with the airline stating it will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

The incident came to light after passenger Ankit Dewan alleged that he was assaulted at the airport security checkpoint. According to Dewan, the altercation began when he questioned airport staff for allegedly bypassing the queue. He claimed the pilot, identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, verbally abused him before physically attacking him, leaving him injured and bleeding.

Dewan further alleged that he was pressured into writing a letter stating he would not pursue the matter to avoid missing his flight, which he said was worth approximately ₹1.2 lakh. He also criticised the Delhi Police, claiming he was not allowed to file a complaint immediately at the airport. Photographs shared by Dewan reportedly show bloodstains on the pilot’s shirt, which he says were from his injuries.

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In response, Air India Express expressed regret over the incident and strongly condemned the alleged behaviour. In a post on X, the airline extended empathy to the passenger and his family, stating that appropriate action would be taken after a thorough investigation. The airline emphasised that the matter was being treated with the highest priority.

Delhi Police have stated that no formal complaint has yet been registered and that they became aware of the incident only after Dewan’s social media post. Officials clarified that legal action, including reviewing CCTV footage, would follow once a written complaint is formally lodged. According to reports, the pilot later boarded an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru.

Dewan said the incident deeply affected his family, particularly his seven-year-old daughter who witnessed the alleged assault and was left traumatised. He also raised serious concerns about airport security protocols, questioning how staff and passenger entries were being handled together in sensitive security zones, and called for accountability from airport authorities and the aviation regulator.

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