SRINAGAR: A SpiceJet passenger has accused an Air India Express pilot of assaulting him at Delhi airport after he objected to the pilot allegedly jumping the boarding queue, an allegation that the airline said it is investigating, NDTV reported.
The incident took place at Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where the passenger, identified as Ankit Dewan, claimed he was attacked during a dispute at the security checkpoint. Dewan shared images on social media platform X showing blood on his face, alleging that the assault occurred in the presence of his seven-year-old daughter, who he said was left traumatised.
This is a big security lapse if he was off duty travelling as a passenger, using the staff queue, Trying to cut corners and using entitlement.@DelhiAirport Your response is also required here, why is another passenger without a toddler or stroller allowed to use a crew lane?… https://t.co/Zuw2KHHJM2 pic.twitter.com/TokPLquS8C
— Yash Sartanpara (@SartanparaYash) December 20, 2025
According to Dewan, he was travelling with his family, including a four-month-old infant in a stroller, and airport staff directed them to use a staff security lane. He alleged that several individuals, including airline staff, cut in front of him in the queue, prompting him to object.
Dewan claimed that an Air India Express pilot, whom he later identified as Capt Virender, responded with verbal abuse before the confrontation escalated. He alleged that the pilot physically assaulted him, causing injuries. Dewan said the blood visible on the pilot’s shirt in a separate image he posted also belonged to him.
In a statement, Air India Express said it “unequivocally condemns such behaviour” and confirmed that the employee involved had been taken off duty with immediate effect pending the outcome of an internal inquiry. The airline said appropriate disciplinary action would follow based on the findings.
@ankitdewan 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 concerned employee has…
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) December 19, 2025
The airline clarified that the pilot was travelling as a passenger on another carrier at the time of the incident and was involved in an altercation with a fellow traveller. It reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and conduct among its staff.
Dewan further alleged that he was compelled to sign a written undertaking stating he would not pursue the matter. He claimed he was given the choice between writing the letter or missing his flight, which would have resulted in the loss of holiday bookings worth Rs 1.2 lakh.
Tagging the Delhi Police on social media, Dewan questioned why he could not lodge a complaint after returning from his trip and expressed concern over the preservation of CCTV footage from the airport.
