Off-duty AI Express pilot ‘assaults’ passenger at Delhi airport, removed

According the statement, the AI Express employee was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time of the incident.

The accused employee in the social media posts has been identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, a pilot with the Air India Express.

In a series of posts on X, a SpiceJet passenger, Ankit Dewan, said he was travelling with his wife and two children, including a four-month-old baby in a stroller, when the airport staff guided his family to use a staff security lane.

According to Dewan, an argument began when he objected to people cutting the queue. The Air India Express pilot allegedly questioned his ability to read the signage and used the word “anpadh” during the exchange. He said the verbal argument later turned physical. “Not able to exercise restraint, the AIX pilot proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody,” Dewan wrote.

Sharing pictures showing injuries on his face and identifying the pilot involved, Dewan said the incident took place at Terminal 1 of the Delhi airport during security checks.

He said the incident affected his family, and his seven-year-old daughter saw the assault. Dewan also claimed that pressure was put on him to write a letter, saying he would not pursue the matter further to avoid missing his flight and losing money spent on travel bookings.

Tagging the Delhi Police in his post, Dewan asked, “Why can’t I file a complaint after coming back? Must I sacrifice my money to seek justice?” He also raised concerns about the availability of CCTV footage if there was a delay in filing a complaint.

In a separate post, Dewan claimed that the security personnel were aware of the argument before the assault took place, but took no action to stop the situation from escalating.

The Delhi airport authorities responded online, saying the issue had been escalated for review and passenger safety and well-being remained their priority.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Delhi Police said that no complaint has been filed so far in connection with the alleged assault. They police added that the matter came to their notice through the social media post.

“With reference to a social media post posted on platform X by @ankitdewan, alleging physical assault by an Air India Express pilot at Terminal 1 of the airport, no such matter has been reported to the police station either by @ankitdewan or by the airlines,” the police said.

“Whenever a written complaint is received by the victim in this regard, appropriate legal action will be taken,” they added.

In its official statement, the airline said, “We profoundly regret this incident at the 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 employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, and appropriate action will be taken pending thorough investigation. Please be assured this matter has our highest attention. We remain fully committed to provide due cooperation to the law enforcement authorities to ensure a fair and thorough process,” read the statement.