A Delhi-bound Air India passenger, who broke a window on a Chandigarh-Delhi flight on Sunday, has been referred to the airline’s internal committee, which will decide whether to declare him “unruly” and put him on the no-fly list, two officials familiar with the matter said.
The accident occurred on board Air India flight AI1879 from Chandigarh to Delhi on June 7 while the plane was preparing to land.
“The passenger broke the inner glass of the window despite giving him verbal and written warning
One of the officials said: “Warnings from the crew.”
“The ground crew was informed and was handed over to airport staff and security personnel after the plane landed in Delhi,” another official added.
Confirming the incident, an Air India spokesperson said: “Flight AI1879 operating from Chandigarh to Delhi on June 7 landed safely in Delhi following an incident involving an unruly passenger during the flight. The cockpit crew followed standard operating procedures and, after issuing warnings to the passenger, reported the matter to the security team at Delhi airport. The safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft was not compromised at any time during the flight.”
The airline said that the passenger was then handed over to security services upon arrival, and the regulatory body was informed of the incident.
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“Air India follows a zero-tolerance policy for behavior that could affect the safety and security of passengers and employees,” a company spokesperson said.
To be sure, under the Civil Aviation Rules 2017, all cases are referred to the airline’s internal committee, which has 30 days to determine the category and duration of the ban. Pending its decision, airlines can impose a temporary ban for up to 30 days.
“The passenger was aggressive and ignored repeated warnings issued by the cabin crew, but he started apologizing repeatedly once he was handed over to security personnel,” an airport official said.
“The passenger is a resident of Patna. The matter has been referred to the airline’s internal committee, which will evaluate whether it should be classified as an unruly passenger and whether further action should be taken under the applicable rules,” the official said.
Officials also said that a passenger tried to escape while in police custody at Delhi airport on Monday morning.
“While being escorted by Delhi Police at Terminal 3, he managed to escape and run towards the forecourt area. However, CISF Rapid Response Team personnel spotted him and arrested him within minutes before returning him to the police,” a second airport official said on condition of anonymity.
“During investigation, his parents informed the police that he was a person suffering from mental health issues and requested permission to travel to Patna. But Air India did not allow him to board another flight due to ongoing procedures related to the incident,” he added.
The official confirmed that “after completing the necessary procedures, he was released and handed over to his parents.”
