Delhi Police have arrested an Air India Express pilot, Virender Sejwal, in connection with an alleged assault on a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an episode that has prompted scrutiny of conduct standards for flight crew in high-pressure airport environments.Police officials said Sejwal was taken into custody on Monday evening after being questioned over a complaint linked to an altercation at the airport that occurred more than a week earlier. The case centres on allegations that a passenger was assaulted during a confrontation whose precise trigger and escalation remain under investigation.
According to officers familiar with the inquiry, the complaint was registered after the passenger approached the police with details of an alleged physical altercation involving the pilot within the airport premises. Statements are being recorded from the complainant, airport staff and others who may have witnessed the incident. CCTV footage from the relevant areas of the terminal is also being reviewed to establish the sequence of events and corroborate accounts provided to investigators.
Arrest follows airport assault allegation, police said, emphasising that the pilot was detained only after preliminary questioning and verification of the complaint. Officials added that the investigation will determine whether the alleged incident arose from a personal dispute, a misunderstanding linked to airport procedures, or any other factor, and whether charges beyond the initial complaint are warranted.
Air India Express acknowledged that it was aware of the police action involving one of its pilots and said it was cooperating with authorities. The airline indicated that it would await the outcome of the investigation before commenting further, while reiterating that it expects all employees to adhere to professional standards both on and off duty. The carrier has not indicated whether the pilot has been placed on leave pending the probe.
The arrest has drawn attention to the broader issue of passenger–staff interactions at India’s busiest airport, where congestion, tight schedules and security protocols can heighten tensions. Aviation experts note that while airports are designed with multiple layers of security and conflict-management procedures, disputes can still escalate when communication breaks down or when individuals perceive unfair treatment.
Indira Gandhi International Airport, operated by Delhi International Airport Limited, handles tens of millions of passengers annually and hosts a complex mix of airline staff, ground handlers, security agencies and travellers. Any allegation of assault within its premises is treated seriously, given the emphasis on passenger safety and the airport’s role as a major international gateway.
Legal analysts said the case would hinge on evidence establishing intent and the nature of the alleged assault. If charges are framed, the court will assess whether the incident constitutes a criminal offence under applicable sections of law, taking into account witness testimony and video evidence. They added that professional status does not confer immunity, and airline employees are subject to the same legal standards as any other individual.
From an industry perspective, the episode comes at a time when airlines are under pressure to maintain public trust amid rapid expansion, staffing challenges and heightened scrutiny of service quality. Carriers have been reinforcing training on conflict de-escalation and passenger handling, particularly for crew who may encounter travellers during transit or while off duty in terminals.