Delhi-London Air India Flight Returns to Delhi After Passenger Assaults Cabin Crew Mid-Air

On April 10, 2023, a Delhi-London Air India flight was forced to return to Delhi after an unruly passenger assaulted two cabin crew members mid-air. The incident occurred a few hours after takeoff, causing the flight to make a turn and head back to Delhi. Upon landing, the airline handed over the unruly passenger to the Delhi Airport Police and lodged a complaint. The flight then departed again for London after deboarding the passenger.

Air India released a statement confirming the incident and stating that the pilot decided to return to Delhi due to the passenger’s “serious unruly behavior.” The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the other passengers and assured that it is providing support to the affected crew members. An FIR has been lodged with the police, and the airline has rescheduled the flight to depart for London later in the day.

This incident is the latest in a string of unruly behavior cases involving Air India. Last month, a passenger on a London to Mumbai flight was booked for smoking in the lavatory, and earlier this year, the airline was fined for failing to comply with rules in a separate incident involving a passenger who allegedly urinated on another passenger. Air India has emphasized the importance of safety, security, and dignity for all its passengers and crew members.