Two AAICLAS screeners were injured at the Varanasi airport on Sunday after a passenger travelling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai fired a round during a weapons check, according
to the Varanasi Airport Director.
The incident took place at around 9.30 am on August 16, 2026, when the passenger declared weapons on board the flight.
During the subsequent weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAICLAS screeners.
Both the injured screeners were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment, the airport director said.
Local police were also informed following the incident, and an investigation was underway.
“Today, 16.08.2026, at about 0930 hrs, a passenger travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai declared weapons on board the flight,” the Varanasi Airport Director said in a statement.
“During the weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police have been informed, and an investigation is underway,” the director added.
The airport director’s statement did not provide further details about the passenger, the weapons declared on board, the circumstances in which the round was fired, or the condition of the two injured screeners.
