Delhi Airport Assault: Air India Express Pilot Grounded After Viral Scuffle

T1 Brawl: Air India Express Pilot Captain Virender Accused of Thrashing Flyer Over Queue Dispute

• The “Staff Lane” Trigger: How a Baby Stroller Sparked a Security Check Fight

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• Physical Altercation: Allegations of Brutal Assault in Front of a 7-Year-Old

• The Airline’s Response: Immediate Suspension of the Off-Duty Pilot

• “Forced Silence”: The ₹1.2 Lakh Holiday Dilemma and the Letter of Retraction

• Police Status: Why No Formal FIR Has Been Filed Despite the Bloodied Photos

Also Read | Delhi Under Siege: Toxic Smog and “Severe” AQI Disrupt the Capital

A family vacation turned into a nightmare at Delhi Airport yesterday. The thing is, a SpiceJet passenger named Ankit Dewan was left bloodied after a physical scuffle with an off-duty Air India Express pilot.

Actually, the incident happened at Terminal 1 while Dewan was traveling with his wife, his 7-year-old daughter, and a 4-month-old infant. Specifically, airport staff had guided the family to use the “Staff/PRM” lane because of the baby stroller. As a result, when the pilot—identified as Captain Virender Sejwal—tried to cut the queue, a verbal argument turned violent.

Also Read | Delhi Under Siege: Toxic Smog and “Severe” AQI Disrupt the Capital

Consequently, the father was left with a bloodied face, an image that has since gone viral (let’s be real, seeing blood on a terminal floor is the last thing you expect during a holiday).

And here’s the kicker. The pilot allegedly mocked the passenger’s education before throwing the first punch.

Basically, Captain Virender reportedly asked Dewan if he was “anpadh” (uneducated) for using the staff lane. Instead of de-escalating, the verbal sparring turned into a brutal assault right in front of Dewan’s traumatized daughter. In fact, Air India Express has confirmed that while the pilot was traveling as a passenger on another airline, his behavior was “unacceptable.” And then Y followed. The pilot was barred from operating his scheduled flight from Bengaluru and has been grounded indefinitely.

[Table: Delhi Airport Assault Incident Summary – Dec 19, 2025]

Also Read | Delhi Under Siege: Toxic Smog and “Severe” AQI Disrupt the Capital

Moreover, Dewan claims he was blackmailed by circumstances. Specifically, he says he was forced to sign a letter stating he wouldn’t pursue the case just so he wouldn’t miss his flight.

Actually, with ₹1.2 lakh already spent on holiday bookings, he felt he had no choice but to “forgive” the pilot on paper to get on the plane. As a result, the Delhi Police have stated they haven’t registered a case yet because they haven’t received a formal written complaint. Consequently, the victim is now asking the police on social media if the CCTV footage will be preserved until he returns from his trip (those too).

The thing is, the airline isn’t waiting for the police. In fact, Air India Express issued a statement “unequivocally condemning” the behavior and removing the pilot from duty.

Basically, the aviation community is reeling from the lack of professionalism shown by a senior captain. Instead of a tidy wrap-up, this case is highlighting the massive pressure and “entitlement” issues at crowded security checkpoints.

And then Y followed. Expect a massive debate on “Pilot Conduct” and airport mismanagement as the investigation moves into the next phase…

Also Read | Delhi Under Siege: Toxic Smog and “Severe” AQI Disrupt the Capital

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