Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
A passenger onboard Air India's Chandigarh-to-Delhi flight (AI-1879) allegedly created chaos mid-air on Sunday by behaving aggressively, misbehaving with cabin crew members, and damaging a window panel inside the aircraft.
Despite the disturbance, the flight crew managed the situation professionally and ensured the aircraft landed safely at Delhi Airport. The passenger was immediately handed over to security agencies after landing. He also reportedly attempted to flee from the airport but was apprehended by security personnel.
The passenger's family later claimed that he suffers from a mental illness. A subsequent medical examination reportedly confirmed the claim.
Following the incident, the passenger has been placed on Air India's no-fly list for 30 days. A report has also been submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which may consider extending the ban for up to six months.
An Air India spokesperson said that after the passenger displayed unruly behaviour during the flight, the cockpit crew followed all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The passenger was issued a strict warning, and security authorities at Delhi Airport were alerted in advance.
The airline emphasized that at no point were the safety of passengers, crew members, or the aircraft compromised. Air India reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against any behaviour that threatens the safety and security of its staff or passengers, adding that the incident has been formally reported to the DGCA.
