New Delhi: A passenger on an Air India flight from Chandigarh to Delhi broke a window pane just as the aircraft was preparing to land.
He has been referred to the airline’s internal committee, which will decide whether to declare him “unruly” and place him on the no-fly list, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The incident occurred on Air India flight AI1879 from Chandigarh to Delhi on Sunday.
“The passenger broke the inner glass pane of a window despite being given several verbal and written warnings by the crew,” an official has been quoted as saying.
“The ground staff was informed and he was handed over to airport staff and security personnel after the flight landed in Delhi,” another official added.
Air India confirmed the incident, with a spokesperson saying: “Flight AI1879 operating from Chandigarh to Delhi on June 7 landed safely at Delhi following an incident involving an unruly passenger during the flight. The cockpit crew followed the standard operating procedure and, after issuing warnings to the passenger, reported the matter to the se
curity team at Delhi airport. Safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft was never compromised at any point during the flight.”
The passenger was subsequently handed over to security agencies on arrival and the incident was reported to the regulator, the airline said.
“Air India follows a zero-tolerance policy for behaviour that can impact the safety and security of passengers and staff,” a spokesperson said.
Under the 2017 civil aviation rules (CAR), all such cases are referred to the airline’s internal committee, which has 30 days to determine the category and duration of the ban. Pending its decision, airlines can impose a temporary ban of up to 30 days.
“The passenger had been aggressive and dismissive of repeated warnings issued by the cabin crew, but started repeatedly apologising once he was handed over to security personnel,” an airport official said.
The passenger also attempted to escape from police custody at Delhi airport on Monday morning, officials said.
“While being escorted by Delhi Police at Terminal 3, he managed to break away and run towards the forecourt area. However, CISF’s quick response team (QRT) personnel spotted him and apprehended him within minutes before handing him back to the police,” another airport official said on condition of anonymity.
“During the inquiry, his parents informed the police that he was a person with mental health issues and requested that he be allowed to travel to Patna. Air India, however, did not permit him to board another flight because of the ongoing proceedings related to the incident,” he said.
“After the completion of necessary formalities, he was released and handed over to his parents,” the official confirmed.