New Delhi, Dec 21

 Air India Express will constitute an external inquiry committee next week to probe an incident in which one of its off-duty pilots allegedly assaulted a passenger at Delhi airport, sources said.

The Tata Group-owned airline has already suspended the pilot and issued a show-cause notice seeking his explanation, soon after the incident that occurred at Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday.

According to sources, the disciplinary proceedings are being carried out under labour laws, as pilots fall under the workmen category. The external committee will independently examine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

The passenger, identified as Ankit Dewan, took to social media on Friday, sharing photographs that showed blood on his face following the incident. He also posted a picture of the pilot, identified as Virender Sejwal.

On Saturday, the civil aviation ministry said it had taken serious cognisance of the matter and directed the airline to ground the pilot with immediate effect. “A formal enquiry has been ordered. Detailed reports have been sought from BCAS and CISF,” the ministry said in a post on X while responding to Dewan.

In an earlier statement, Air India Express said it was aware of an incident involving one of its employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline and had an altercation with a fellow traveller.

“We unequivocally condemn such behaviour. The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry,” the airline said, adding that its officials have been in touch with the passenger.