Verbal Altercation Breaks Out Before Landing on AI454
An Air India flight from Amritsar to Delhi was disrupted by a heated confrontation between two passengers minutes before landing, prompting swift action from the cabin crew. The incident occurred on flight AI454 on June 28, 2025, just as the aircraft was preparing for descent into Delhi.
According to Air India, one passenger was seen standing in the aisle and engaging in a verbal altercation with another passenger. A member of the cabin crew immediately intervened when the second passenger complained that the individual had been abusive and verbally aggressive.
India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has laid down strict norms to handle in-flight misbehaviour.
Airline Takes Action: Victim Relocated, Accused Handed Over
In a statement issued by Air India, the airline confirmed that the crew de-escalated the situation by relocating the complainant to a business class seat for the remainder of the flight. Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the accused was promptly handed over to airport security for further investigation.
“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. “The disruptive passenger was handed over to the airport security upon landing in Delhi.”
Air India’s Zero-Tolerance Policy on In-Flight Misconduct
Air India reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on disruptive behaviour, stating that the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew remain a top priority.
“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 official statement noted. “We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities, and the matter is now under their purview.”
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DGCA Norms for Handling Unruly Passengers
India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has laid down strict norms to handle in-flight misbehaviour. Airlines are required to set up an internal committee to investigate such incidents and can place the unruly passenger on a no-fly list based on the committee’s recommendation.
This mechanism ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of courteous and lawful behaviour while flying. Depending on the severity of the offense, a flyer could face a flight ban ranging from three months to over two years.
Recent Trend of Passenger Misconduct on Indian Flights
This incident adds to a growing list of in-flight disruptions involving unruly passengers in India. Earlier this year, several airlines reported similar occurrences, including physical confrontations, intoxicated behaviour, and non-compliance with crew instructions. Such cases often result in delays, diversions, and stress among fellow travelers.
Experts in aviation safety emphasize the importance of swift and trained crew response to such incidents, which can escalate rapidly. Airlines are continuously improving protocols to ensure that passengers violating conduct norms are held accountable without compromising flight operations.
Conclusion: Ensuring Passenger Safety at 30,000 Feet
The mid-air incident aboard Air India flight AI454 serves as a reminder that passenger conduct is as critical as technical safety in aviation. With the growing number of flyers, airlines must remain vigilant and responsive to onboard behavior that threatens the comfort and security of others.
As DGCA continues to tighten norms and airlines like Air India enforce zero-tolerance policies, the hope is that passengers will travel responsibly and respectfully. For now, the incident is under investigation, and further action may follow based on the findings of the airport security and the airline’s internal committee.
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