A shocking incident at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has raised serious questions about passenger safety after a SpiceJet flyer was allegedly assaulted by an Air India Express pilot, leaving him injured and his family traumatised.
The passenger, Ankit Dewan, told NDTV that the incident occurred during a routine security check when he was travelling with his wife, children, and a baby in a stroller. Airport staff had guided the family to use a staff-assisted security line. A disagreement reportedly began when Dewan objected to instructions about placing his mobile phone during screening.
According to Dewan, the situation escalated after the pilot, identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, allegedly made derogatory remarks, calling him “uneducated”. What began as a verbal exchange soon turned physical. Dewan claims that while he was being frisked, the pilot returned and struck him without warning.
“I did not expect something like this at an airport,” Dewan said, describing the incident as deeply disturbing. He alleged that his wife overheard the pilot telling security personnel that he intended to hit him, moments before the assault took place. Dewan also questioned the role of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), claiming that security personnel present did not intervene in time.
Although Dewan did not suffer serious injuries requiring stitches, he said he experienced significant physical pain. More distressing, he added, was the emotional impact on his family. His children, particularly his daughter, were left frightened, and his wife broke down later that night after holding herself together for the children.
Air India Express has condemned the behaviour and removed the pilot from official duties. The airline confirmed that the pilot was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time of the incident and has ordered an internal inquiry.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also stepped in, directing that the pilot be grounded and a formal investigation conducted. Police said they became aware of the incident through social media, as no formal complaint was initially filed.
The case has sparked widespread concern over conduct, accountability, and passenger safety at Indian airports.
