Air India Express has suspended a pilot who assaulted a co-passenger after an altercation at security check area of terminal 1 at Delhi airport on Friday.
The Civil Aviation Ministry too has ordered an inquiry and directed the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Directorate General of Civil Aviation for detailed reports.
No police complaint was filed until Saturday morning and the assault came to light after victim Ankit Dewan narrated the incident in a social media post. Dewan said he and his family including their four-month baby who were travelling on a SpiceJet flight were advised to use the security line meant for crew. According to Dewan, the altercation happened when the pilot accused him of cutting the queue leading to the assault.
On his part, the pilot told the airline management that he lost his cool after being abused by Dewan.
Dewan has alleged that first aid was provided only after 45 minutes. He also claimed that he was forced to write a letter that he will not pursue the matter further. “It was either write that letter, or miss my flight and throw the 1.2 lakhs holiday bookings down the drain,” Dewan wrote in a X post.
In a statement, Air India Express said it unequivocally condemn such behaviour of its employee. “The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry. Air India Express upholds the highest standards of conduct and professionalism and remains committed to ensuring that its employees act responsibly at all times,” the airline said.
Delhi International Airport Ltd said it is concerned about the incident and the issue has been formally escalated to the concerned authorities for immediate review and appropriate action. “Passenger well-being remains our highest priority, and we are committed to ensuring such incidents are addressed with utmost seriousness,” DIAL said.
Published on December 20, 2025