NEW DELHI: Air India Express on Friday grounded a senior pilot pending an inquiry after he was accused of assaulting a passenger at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 following a dispute over the use of a priority security-check lane.
The passenger, Ankit Dewan, alleged that Captain Virender Sejwal attacked him in front of his family after Dewan questioned him for allegedly “cutting the queue.” Dewan said the pilot told him the lane was meant for airline staff and used abusive language, leading to a heated exchange that turned physical. Photos shared by Dewan on X showed the pilot with blood stains on his shirt.
Sources said the pilot intervened after Dewan allegedly used foul language while referring to the pilot’s ailing mother. Security personnel stepped in, after which the pilot proceeded to Bengaluru but was barred from operating the flight he was rostered for. Air India Express later confirmed that the pilot had been grounded while an inquiry is conducted.
Dewan said he was travelling with his wife, daughter and a four-month-old infant and was directed by airport staff to the priority security lane because of the stroller. He added that he sought medical attention after reaching his destination and that his seven-year-old daughter was traumatised by the incident.
Questioning airport management and aviation oversight, Dewan asked how such incidents could occur in a sensitive security area and whether pilots involved in altercations could be trusted with passenger safety. He also said he was pressured to sign a letter stating he would not pursue the matter, claiming it was required to avoid missing his flight and losing holiday bookings.
An Air India Express spokesperson said the airline condemns the behaviour and remains committed to ensuring employees act responsibly at all times. “Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry,” the airline said.
