New Delhi: Air India Express says it has “removed” a pilot from duty for allegedly assaulting a SpiceJet passenger at the Delhi airport.
The dispute was over alleged “queue-cutting” by the pilot at a security checkpoint in Terminal 1.
The passenger, Ankit Dewan, shared his experience on social media, leading to outrage. He has also shared an image of a person, who he claims was the pilot, and said: “The blood on his shirt is mine.”
According to Dewan, the confrontation occurred while he was travelling with his family, including his seven-year-old daughter and four-month-old infant. Airport staff directed his family to use a designated staff security line because they were pushing a baby stroller, he said, as reported by News9 Live.
Several staff members, including an Air India Express pilot identified as Captain Virender, were cutting ahead in the queue. When he objected, the pilot allegedly asked him if he was ‘anpadh’ (uneducated). The argument soon escalated into a physical assault.
Dewan posted on X that the pilot struck him, leaving him bleeding. He said that his young daughter witnessed the incident and remains traumatised. He also posted photographs showing bloodstains on his face and the pilot’s clothing.
Air India Express issued a statement condemning the behaviour. The airline said the employee involved has been removed from duty with immediate effect pending an internal investigation, and disciplinary action will follow based on its findings.
“We profoundly regret this incident at Delhi Airport, involving one of our employees who was traveling as a passenger on another airline. We extend our heartfelt empathy for the distress it has caused, and strongly condemn such behaviour. The concerned employee has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, and appropriate action will be taken pending thorough investigation. While we refrain from public comments while due process is followed, please be assured this matter has our highest attention. We remain fully committed to provide due cooperation to law enforcement authorities to ensure a fair and thorough process,” the airline said.
The passenger has also claimed that he was pressured into writing a letter stating he would not pursue the matter.
“‘I was forced to write a letter stating that I will not pursue this matter further … It was either write that letter, or miss my flight and throw the 1.2 lakhs holiday bookings down the drain,” Dewan claimed.
Questioning Delhi Police, he said: ‘Why can’t I file a complaint after coming back? Must I sacrifice my money too, to seek justice? Will the CCTV footage disappear in the 2 days till I make it back to Delhi?”
