Air India Express Pilot Removed After Alleged Physical Assault on Passenger at

December 20, 2025 at 01:59 AM•2 min read

Air India Express suspended a pilot immediately after he was accused of physically assaulting a passenger during a queue dispute at Delhi Airport.

Key Points

1An Air India Express pilot allegedly physically assaulted a passenger, Ankit Dewan, during a queue dispute at Delhi Airport Terminal 1 security line.
2Air India Express immediately removed the pilot from official duties pending a formal internal investigation into the incident.
3The passenger, traveling with two infants, alleged he was coerced into dropping the complaint to avoid missing his scheduled flight and high-value holiday booking.
4Delhi Airport authorities confirmed the incident has been formally escalated to relevant security agencies for immediate review and action.

An Air India Express (AIX) pilot, identified as Capt. Vijender Sejwal, was removed from official duties pending investigation after allegedly physically assaulting a fellow passenger, Ankit Dewan, at Delhi Airport Terminal 1. The incident occurred in the security check-in line designated for staff and passengers traveling with infants, when Dewan objected to the off-duty pilot cutting the queue. The verbal altercation quickly escalated, resulting in the pilot allegedly striking Dewan, who posted photographic evidence showing blood on his face and shirt.

Dewan, who was traveling with his family including a four-month-old and a seven-year-old daughter who witnessed the assault, raised serious concerns regarding the pilot's temperament and fitness to command commercial flights. Furthermore, Dewan alleged that he was coerced into signing a letter stating he would not pursue the matter further, claiming he had to choose between seeking justice and losing his Rs 1.2 lakh holiday booking and scheduled flight. He questioned whether Delhi Police and airport authorities would preserve the CCTV footage until his return to file a formal complaint.

Air India Express responded swiftly, issuing a statement that it “unequivocally condemns such behaviour” and confirming the employee was removed from duties immediately. The airline emphasized its commitment to high standards of conduct, noting the employee was traveling as a passenger on another carrier at the time. Delhi Airport authorities also expressed regret over the distress caused and confirmed the issue has been formally escalated to concerned security authorities for immediate review and appropriate action, stressing that passenger safety remains their highest priority.