Air India Express Pilot Grounded After Viral Scuffle with Passenger
Air India Express has suspended an off-duty pilot and issued a formal show-cause notice after he allegedly assaulted a passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
The incident, which took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, resulting in the immediate grounding of the captain and the registration of a criminal case.
The Air India Express Pilot Altercation at Terminal 1
The confrontation occurred at Terminal 1 when passenger Ankit Dewan, traveling with his wife, a seven-year-old daughter, and a four-month-old infant in a stroller, was directed by airport staff to use the priority/staff security lane.
Ankit alleged that several staff members began cutting the queue.
When he raised an objection, Captain Virender Sejwal, who was also in the lane, reportedly mocked him, asking if he was “anpadh” (uneducated) and could not read the signs.
The verbal spat escalated rapidly.
Ankit shared photographs and videos on social media showing his face bloodied, alleging that the pilot physically assaulted him in front of his traumatized daughter.
Medical reports later revealed that Ankit suffered a “displaced fracture of the left nasal bone” during the scuffle.
Corporate and Governmental Action
Air India Express, owned by the Tata Group, acted swiftly following the public outcry.
The pilot was “dead-heading” on an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru, meaning he was traveling as a passenger to join duty elsewhere.
Despite this, the airline confirmed his immediate removal from official duties.
A formal show-cause notice was served to Captain Sejwal, giving him 48 hours to explain his conduct. An official spokesperson stated: “We unequivocally condemn such behavior. The employee has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending a thorough investigation.”
The Ministry of Civil Aviation also intervened, directing the airline to ground the pilot.
Authorities have ordered a formal inquiry into the incident.
As part of this process, they are seeking detailed reports from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Cross-Complaints and Legal Proceedings
On December 22, 2025, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Captain Sejwal under Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In a counter-move, the pilot’s legal representative filed a cross-complaint against Ankit.
The filing alleges that he initiated the confrontation with “casteist remarks” and “unfathomable threats” against the pilot’s female family members.
The defense claims the situation was a personal matter between two passengers that has been “distorted by a one-sided social media narrative.”
Air India Express Passenger’s Trauma and Accountability
Ankit Dewan has expressed deep concern over the lack of immediate intervention by CISF personnel at the scene.
He further alleged that authorities initially pressured him to sign a “no-action” letter. He did this to avoid missing his flight and losing ₹1.2 lakh in holiday bookings.
The airline has since reached out to the victim to offer empathy and ensure a fair investigation.
Meanwhile, officials expect to form an external inquiry panel next week to decide the pilot’s future.
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