Passenger alleges assault by Air India Express pilot
Air India Express removes pilot from duty after passenger claims violent assault at Delhi airport, investigation underway
A troubling allegation of violence at Delhi airport has sparked widespread concern, after a passenger accused an off-duty Air India Express pilot of physically assaulting him during a dispute at the security checkpoint. The incident, which allegedly took place at Terminal 1 on Friday, has raised serious questions about passenger safety, professional conduct, and accountability within the aviation ecosystem.
The passenger, identified as Ankit Dewan, was travelling on a SpiceJet flight when the altercation reportedly occurred. According to Dewan, the confrontation began when he objected to a group of airline staff, including the pilot, allegedly cutting ahead in the security queue meant for passengers. What started as a verbal disagreement soon escalated into something far more disturbing, he claimed.
In a detailed post shared on social media platform X, Dewan accused Air India Express captain Virender Sejwal of physically assaulting him. Dewan alleged that when he called out the queue-jumping, the pilot responded aggressively and used derogatory language, questioning his literacy and mocking him for not understanding signage that supposedly designated the lane for staff.
The passenger said the exchange quickly turned hostile. He added that airport security intervened only after the situation had spiralled out of control, by which time he had already suffered injuries.
Beyond the physical harm, Dewan emphasised the emotional toll the incident has taken on his family, particularly his young daughter. “My holiday is ruined. and questioning whether individuals who allegedly lose control in public spaces should be entrusted with flying aircraft.
The allegation has put Air India Express under intense scrutiny. Responding to the incident, the airline confirmed that the pilot named in the complaint has been removed from his official duties pending further investigation. In a brief statement, the airline said it takes such accusations seriously and is cooperating with relevant authorities to ascertain the facts.
While the matter is still under investigation and the pilot has not publicly responded to the allegations, the episode has reignited debate around behaviour, privilege, and accountability in high-stress environments like airports. For many passengers, airports are already spaces of anxiety, marked by long queues, delays, and tight schedules. Incidents of alleged violence only deepen that unease.
As the investigation unfolds, passengers and industry observers alike are watching closely. At its core, the episode is not just about a single altercation, but about trust—trust that those in positions of responsibility will uphold professionalism, restraint, and respect, both in the cockpit and on the ground.