Air India Express has removed an off duty pilot from official duties with immediate effect after a passenger alleged he was physically assaulted at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1, with the airline stating that it has initiated an investigation and will cooperate with law enforcement.

In a post on X, Air India Express posted, “profoundly regret this incident at Delhi Airport” and condemned the alleged conduct. It stated that the employee involved was travelling “as a passenger on another airline.” The airline said that the “concerned employee has been removed from official duties with immediate effect,” and added that “appropriate action will be taken pending through investigation.” It also mentioned that it would refrain from further public comment while due process is underway, but assured that the matter  has its highest attention and it remains “fully committed to provide due cooperation to law enforcement authorities.”

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The airline’s response came after a passenger, who identified himself as Ankit Dewan, alleged that an Air India Express pilot assaulted him at Delhi Airport T1 when he objected to the pilot cutting the boarding queue.

What did the passenger allege?

According to Dewan, he and his family were asked to use the staff security check, which he also referred to as the PRM check, because they were travelling with a four-month-old baby in a stroller. He claimed that staff were moving ahead in the queue, and when he objected, the pilot reportedly used abusive language, including calling him “anpadh” (uneducated), followed by a heated verbal exchange.

He further claimed the situation intensified into physical violence, alleging the pilot “proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody,” and clarified that the blood seen in the picture on the pilot’s shirt was his. In the same post, Dewan said that his “holiday is ruined” and that his first step was to see a doctor. He also blamed that this incident had taken place in front of her seven-year old daughter, who remains to be “traumatised & scared.”

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He asked how the airline and regulator should allow such pilots to operate flights if they cannot “keep their cool.”

Concerns raised over airport management

Dewan also raised his voice for queue management at the airport, alleging that the entry of the staff was combined with passengers carrying infants, creating chaos at a sensitive security area. He further stated that he was forced to write a letter stating that he would not take the matter further and saying that he felt compelled to do so to avoid missing his flight and losing the holiday bookings. He also questioned whether a complaint would be registered later and raised concerns related to the CCTV footage.

Air India Express confirmed that it would cooperate with law enforcement for a fair process.