An unruly passenger was handed over to security personnel at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport after allegedly creating a disturbance onboard an Air India flight from Chandigarh to Delhi on June 7, sources said.
The incident occurred on Air India flight AI1879, which landed safely in Delhi. According to sources, the cabin crew was alerted to the passenger’s behaviour during the flight after he repeatedly hit his hand and head against the scratch pane, the protective inner layer of the aircraft window.
Following standard operating procedures (SoP), the cockpit crew issued warnings to the passenger and informed security authorities ahead of the aircraft’s arrival in Delhi, sources added.
Upon landing, the passenger was handed over to security personnel at IGI Airport. The matter has also been reported to the aviation regulator.
Sources said a committee is yet to decide whether the passenger should be placed on the airline’s “no-fly” list.
Confirming the incident, an Air India spokesperson said, “Flight AI1879 operating from Chandigarh to Delhi on 7 June landed safely at Delhi following an incident involving an unruly passenger during the flight. The cockpit crew followed the standard operating procedure and after issuing warnings to the passenger had reported the matter to the security team at Delhi airport.”
“The safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft was never compromised at any point during the flight. The passenger was subsequently handed over to the security agencies on arrival. The incident has been duly reported to the regulator,” the spokesperson added.
Air India reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that could affect the safety and security of passengers, crew members and aircraft operations.
– Ends