New Delhi – A SpiceJet passenger at Delhi airport‘s Terminal 1 alleged that an off-duty Air India Express pilot physically assaulted him on Friday after an altercation over queue-cutting at the security check escalated into violence. The incident has raised serious questions about professional conduct and airport security management, prompting the airline to take immediate action against the accused crew member.
Incident Details and Passenger’s Account
Ankit Dewan, the passenger involved in the incident, detailed his account in a post on social media platform X, accusing Air India Express pilot Captain Virender Sejwal of physically assaulting him. According to Dewan’s statement, he and his family were directed to use the security check designated for staff, which also serves as the Persons with Reduced Mobility check, because they were traveling with a four-month-old baby in a stroller.
Dewan alleged that the Air India Express pilot and other staff members were cutting the queue ahead of passengers waiting for security screening. When Dewan called out this behavior, Captain Sejwal, who was among those bypassing the line, confronted him directly. The Air India Express pilot allegedly asked Dewan if he was “anpadh” (uneducated) and couldn’t read the signs indicating the entry was designated for staff use.
Verbal Altercation Escalates to Physical Violence
The confrontation between Dewan and the Air India Express pilot quickly escalated from a verbal dispute to physical violence, according to the passenger’s account. Dewan stated that the pilot was unable to exercise restraint and proceeded to physically assault him during the altercation at the security checkpoint.
“Not able to exercise restraint, the AIX pilot proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody,” Dewan wrote in his social media post. The passenger described the attack as brutal and stated that his seven-year-old daughter witnessed the entire incident, leaving her traumatized and scared by seeing her father attacked by the Air India Express pilot.
Family Holiday Ruined by Assault
Dewan explained that the alleged assault by the Air India Express pilot completely ruined his family’s holiday plans. Instead of enjoying their vacation, the first thing he had to do upon reaching his destination was visit a doctor for treatment of his injuries. The passenger expressed deep concern about the psychological impact on his young daughter, who witnessed the violent confrontation between her father and the Air India Express pilot.
The incident raises serious questions about whether individuals who cannot maintain their composure under stress should be permitted to operate commercial aircraft, Dewan argued. The passenger questioned the fitness of the Air India Express pilot to handle the responsibilities and pressures associated with flying passengers if he could not keep his cool during a minor dispute at an airport security checkpoint.
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Airport Management Criticized for Security Lapses
Beyond his allegations against the Air India Express pilot, Dewan also criticized Delhi airport management for what he described as poor planning and mismanagement. He pointed out that combining staff entry with the checkpoint for passengers carrying infants creates unnecessary chaos at a sensitive security area, potentially leading to conflicts like the one he experienced.
The passenger’s complaint highlights broader concerns about airport security procedures and the need for better crowd management systems that prevent confrontations between staff and passengers. The incident involving the Air India Express pilot occurred in an area where families with young children should expect a smooth and stress-free experience.
Forced Compromise and Justice Concerns
Dewan revealed that he was pressured to write a letter stating he would not pursue the matter further, facing a difficult choice between seeking immediate justice and making his scheduled flight. The passenger stated he had invested 1.2 lakh rupees in holiday bookings and couldn’t afford to miss his flight and lose that investment.
“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 wrote. He questioned Delhi Police about why he couldn’t file a complaint after returning from his holiday, expressing concerns about whether CCTV footage would still be available when he returned to Delhi two days later.
The passenger asked whether he must sacrifice his money in addition to suffering the assault to seek justice against the Air India Express pilot, highlighting the difficult position many passengers face when incidents occur immediately before scheduled flights.
Airline Takes Swift Action
Air India Express responded to Dewan’s social media post with an official statement, confirming that the Air India Express pilot had been immediately removed from his official duties and that appropriate action was being taken against him. The airline expressed profound regret over the incident and extended heartfelt empathy for the distress it caused.
“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 airline stated.
Sources indicated that the Air India Express pilot, Captain Sejwal, took an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru after the incident at Terminal 1. The swift action by the airline in removing the pilot from duty demonstrates a commitment to addressing employee misconduct, though questions remain about the broader implications for aviation safety and professional standards.
