Air India Express pilot suspended after alleged assault on passenger at Delhi airport

An off-duty Air India Express pilot has been suspended pending investigation after a passenger alleged that he was physically assaulted at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The incident, which reportedly took place near the security check area at Terminal 1, has drawn wide attention after the passenger shared details and photographs on social media.

The passenger, Ankit Dewan, posted images on X (formerly Twitter) showing blood on his face following the alleged assault. He also shared a photograph of the pilot, whom he identified as Captain Virender Sejwal of Air India Express.

In a statement, Air India Express said it was aware of the incident involving one of its employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time.

“We unequivocally condemn such behaviour. The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry,” the airline said.

Sources said the pilot later boarded an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru after the alleged incident.

The Delhi Police said no formal complaint had been filed by either the passenger or the airline so far. “No such matter has been reported to the police station either by Ankit Dewan or by the airline. The matter came to the knowledge of the police through a social media post,” police said, adding that appropriate legal action would be taken once a written complaint is received.

The police were referring to a post made by Dewan on X, in which he alleged that he was assaulted by the pilot at the airport.

According to Dewan, the incident occurred during the security check process. He said airport staff guided him and his family to use the staff security lane because they were travelling with a four-month-old baby in a stroller.

In his social media post, Dewan claimed that some staff members were cutting the queue. When he objected, he was allegedly verbally abused by the pilot.

“He asked me if I was anpadh (uneducated) and said I could not read the signs that showed the entry was meant for staff,” Dewan said.

He alleged that a verbal argument followed, after which the pilot physically assaulted him, leaving him bloodied. Dewan said the incident took place in front of his seven-year-old daughter, who remains traumatised by what she witnessed.

Dewan further alleged that he was forced to write a letter stating that he would not pursue the matter further.

“It was either write that letter or miss my flight and lose holiday bookings worth ₹1.2 lakh,” he said, questioning why he could not file a complaint after returning from his trip. He also raised concerns about whether CCTV footage would still be available after a delay.

Dewan said he suffered non-serious physical injuries and did not require stitches but continues to experience pain. More distressing, he said, was the emotional impact on his family.

“During the flight, my daughter was very disturbed. She has flown many times before, but this was the first time she was afraid of flying. My wife tried to stay strong, but later she broke down,” he said, adding that the incident was traumatic for everyone involved.

Sources said the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed Air India Express to ground the pilot and conduct a formal inquiry. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation and any legal complaint filed by the passenger.

Authorities are expected to review CCTV footage and other evidence once a formal complaint is submitted.