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A passenger has alleged that he was assaulted by a pilot employed with Air India Express after objecting to the pilot allegedly cutting the boarding queue at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1.
The passenger, Ankit Dewan, said he was travelling with his family, including his four-month-old daughter in a stroller, and was directed by airport staff to use the staff security check-in line. In a post on social media platform X, Dewan shared photographs showing blood on his face and alleged that the pilot assaulted him following a verbal altercation.
According to Dewan, he objected when staff members, including the pilot identified as Captain Virender, moved ahead of him in the queue. He alleged that the pilot responded with abusive language and, following an argument, physically attacked him, leaving him bloodied. Dewan said his seven-year-old daughter witnessed the incident and has been traumatised by it.
Responding to the allegations, Air India Express said it “unequivocally condemns such behaviour” and confirmed that the employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation. The airline said appropriate disciplinary action would be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry.
The airline clarified that the employee was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time of the incident and was involved in an altercation with a fellow passenger. “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 statement said.
Dewan also alleged that he was compelled to sign a letter stating that he would not pursue the matter further, claiming he was told that failure to do so would result in missing his flight and losing holiday bookings worth ₹1.2 lakh.
Also Read: IndiGo warns of flight disruptions to Jammu, Ranchi due to prevailing fog
The passenger, Ankit Dewan, said he was travelling with his family, including his four-month-old daughter in a stroller, and was directed by airport staff to use the staff security check-in line. In a post on social media platform X, Dewan shared photographs showing blood on his face and alleged that the pilot assaulted him following a verbal altercation.
According to Dewan, he objected when staff members, including the pilot identified as Captain Virender, moved ahead of him in the queue. He alleged that the pilot responded with abusive language and, following an argument, physically attacked him, leaving him bloodied. Dewan said his seven-year-old daughter witnessed the incident and has been traumatised by it.
Responding to the allegations, Air India Express said it “unequivocally condemns such behaviour” and confirmed that the employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation. The airline said appropriate disciplinary action would be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry.
The airline clarified that the employee was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time of the incident and was involved in an altercation with a fellow passenger. “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 statement said.
Dewan also alleged that he was compelled to sign a letter stating that he would not pursue the matter further, claiming he was told that failure to do so would result in missing his flight and losing holiday bookings worth ₹1.2 lakh.
Also Read: IndiGo warns of flight disruptions to Jammu, Ranchi due to prevailing fog
