Air India’s London-bound flight returns to Delhi after ‘unruly’ passenger fights with crew

After a mid-air incident in which a passenger inflicted “physical harm” to cabin crew members, an Air India flight heading for London returned to Delhi airport. “AI-111 Delhi to London flight with 256 passengers landed safely at Delhi airport after an unruly behavior of passenger created ruckus on board.” an Air India official informed ANI. The flight, which set out for Heathrow Airport (London) at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, returned to Delhi around 10 a.m. after the crew reported the physical altercation mid-flight to the pilots.

In a statement, Air India said, “Air India flight AI 111 scheduled to operate Delhi-London Heathrow on April 10, 2023, returned to Delhi shortly after departure due to the serious unruly behavior of a passenger on board. Not heeding verbal and written warnings, the passenger continued with unruly behavior including causing physical harm to two of the cabin crew members.”

“The pilot in command decided to return to Delhi and the passenger was handed over to the security personnel upon landing. An FIR has also been lodged with the police. Safety, security, and dignity of all on board are important to us at Air India. We are providing all possible support to the affected crew members. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers and have rescheduled the flight to depart for London this afternoon,” Air India said.

On January 4, Delhi Police filed an FIR against him based on a complaint filed by the woman with Air India. The police filed an FIR under Indian Criminal Code (IPC) sections 354, 509, and 510, as well as Indian Aircraft Act Section 23. The perpetrator and the victim are both from outside of Delhi.