9 months ago
Passenger Assaulted by Pilot at Delhi Airport
A man named Ankit Dewan was traveling with his family at Delhi airport.
He and his family were allowed to use a special security line because they had a baby with them.
A pilot from Air India Express was also cutting the line.
When Ankit asked the pilot not to cut the line, the pilot got angry and called him names.
Then, the pilot hit Ankit, and he got hurt.
Ankit posted pictures of his injuries on social media.
The airline said they are very sorry for what happened and have suspended the pilot.
Ankit said he was forced to write a letter saying he wouldn't complain, or he would miss his flight and lose a lot of money he spent on his holiday.
Ankit Dewan alleged he was assaulted by Air India Express pilot Capt. Virender Sejwal at Delhi airport's Terminal 1.
The incident occurred after Dewan objected to the pilot and staff cutting the security queue.
Dewan posted photos of his injuries on social media, including one showing blood on his face.
Air India Express suspended the pilot pending an investigation and condemned the behavior.
Dewan claimed he was forced to write a letter agreeing not to pursue the matter further to avoid missing his flight and losing Rs 1.2 lakh on holiday bookings.
- Who
- Ankit Dewan (passenger) and Capt. Virender Sejwal (Air India Express pilot)
- What
- An alleged assault by the pilot on the passenger after a queue-cutting dispute
- Where
- Terminal 1 of Delhi airport
- When
- Friday, December 19, 2025
- Why
- The passenger objected to the pilot and staff cutting the queue, leading to a verbal and physical altercation
Key facts
- Passenger
- Ankit Dewan
- Pilot
- Capt. Virender Sejwal
- Airline
- Air India Express
- Location
- Delhi Airport, Terminal 1
- Action Taken
- Pilot suspended pending investigation
- Holiday Cost
- Rs 1.2 lakh
- Pilot's Flight
- IndiGo flight to Bengaluru
Quotes
Ankit Dewan
The passenger who alleged he was assaulted by the Air India Express pilot.
“It was either write that letter, or miss my flight and throw the 1.2 lakhs holiday bookings down the drain. @DelhiPolice, why can’t I file a complaint after coming back? Must I sacrifice my money too, to seek justice? Will the CCTV footage disappear in the 2 days till I make it back to Delhi?”
NDTV
theprint.in
“The staff was cutting the queue ahead of me. On calling them out, Capt. Virender, who himself was doing the same thing, asked me if I was anpadh (uneducated), and couldn't read the signs that said this entry was for staff.”
NDTV
theprint.in
Air India Express
The airline involved in the incident.
“We unequivocally condemn such behaviour. The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry.”
NDTV
theprint.in
“Air India Express upholds the highest standards of conduct and professionalism, and remains committed to ensuring that its employees act responsibly at all times.”
NDTV
