Delhi airport incident: AI Express issues show cause notice to pilot, to set up external inquiry panel

New Delhi, Dec 21 (PTI) Air India Express will set up an external committee next week to probe the incident in which one of its off-duty captains assaulted a passenger at the Delhi airport on Friday, sources said.

Soon after Friday’s incident, the Tata Group-owned airline suspended the pilot and sources told PTI that a show cause notice was also sent to him seeking an explanation.

Since the pilot falls into the category of worker, the cases are being carried out under labor laws. Sources said an external investigation committee will be formed next week to investigate the incident.

The incident took place at Terminal 1 (T1) of Delhi airport on Friday.

Passenger Ankit Dewan shared his experience on Friday in a social media post with a photo showing blood on his face after the fight. He also shared a photo of pilot Virender Sejwal.

On Saturday, the civil aviation ministry said it had taken the incident seriously and instructed the airline to withdraw the pilot from the flight with immediate effect.

“A formal investigation has been ordered. Detailed reports have been requested from BCAS and CISF,” the ministry said in a post on X in response to a Dewan post. he said.

Air India Express said on Friday that it was aware of an incident at Delhi airport in which an employee traveling as a passenger on another airline fought with another passenger.

“We absolutely condemn such behavior. The employee concerned has been suspended from official duties with immediate effect pending the investigation.

“Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the airline said.

Air India Express officials also contacted the passenger.