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An Air India flight travelling from Amritsar to Delhi on June 28 was disrupted by an incident of passenger misconduct that required intervention from both cabin crew and airport security. The situation unfolded on flight AI 454 shortly before its descent, when a heated exchange broke out between two individuals on board.

According to a statement issued by the airline, the confrontation came to light during final preparations for landing. “During cabin preparations for landing, a member of our cabin crew noticed a passenger standing in the aisle, engaged in a verbal altercation with another passenger. The second passenger reported to the crew that the individual was being abusive,” Air India said, reported Moneycontrol.

In response, the crew acted promptly to prevent the situation from escalating further. The individual who had reported the abuse was moved to the business class section to ensure a calm environment during landing. “Our cabin crew immediately de-escalated the situation by relocating the second passenger to a business-class seat for the duration of the landing,” the airline said in its statement.

Airline Hands Over Disruptive Passenger, Cites Zero-Tolerance Policy

On arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the disruptive passenger was taken into custody by airport security personnel. The airline confirmed that the pilot-in-command had notified security teams on the ground in advance. “Following a complaint by the second passenger, the pilot-in-command notified our security team on the ground about the situation, who were present upon the flight's arrival in Delhi. The disruptive passenger was handed over to the airport security for further investigation,” the statement added.

Air India reiterated its firm approach to onboard misconduct, stating, “Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behaviour and prioritises the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew.” The spokesperson further said, “We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities, and the matter is now under their purview.”

As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines, airlines are obligated to treat such cases with seriousness. The DGCA requires carriers to establish an internal committee to examine incidents of unruly behaviour. The committee may recommend appropriate action, including placing the individual on the no-fly list, depending on the severity of the offence.