New Delhi, India: Air India has referred a passenger to its internal committee for possible inclusion on the airline’s no-fly list after he allegedly damaged an aircraft window during a domestic flight from Chandigarh to Delhi.
The incident occurred onboard Air India flight AI1879 on June 7 while the aircraft was preparing to land in Delhi. According to airline and airport officials, the passenger broke the inner pane of a cabin window despite repeated warnings from the crew during the flight.
Officials familiar with the matter said cabin crew members issued multiple verbal and written warnings after noticing the passenger’s behaviour. However, the passenger allegedly ignored the instructions and continued the actions that ultimately resulted in damage to the inner window pane.
Following the incident, the cockpit crew implemented standard operating procedures and informed security personnel at Delhi airport before arrival. After the aircraft landed safely, the passenger was handed over to airport security and other concerned authorities for further action.
Confirming the occurrence, Air India said flight AI1879 landed safely in Delhi and that the airline’s established procedures for handling disruptive passengers were followed throughout the event. The airline stated that the cockpit crew reported the matter to the security team after issuing warnings to the passenger and emphasized that the safety of passengers, crew members and the aircraft was never compromised at any stage of the flight.
Air India further said the passenger was transferred to security agencies upon arrival and that the incident had been reported to the aviation regulator. Reiterating its policy on onboard misconduct, the airline stated that it maintains zero tolerance toward behaviour that could affect the safety and security of passengers, crew or aircraft operations.
According to airport officials, the passenger initially displayed an aggressive attitude and remained dismissive of repeated instructions from cabin crew members. However, officials said he began repeatedly apologising after being handed over to security personnel following the flight’s arrival in Delhi. The passenger has been identified only as a resident of Patna, with authorities withholding further personal details.
The case has now been referred to Air India’s internal committee, which will determine whether the individual should be officially classified as an unruly passenger under India’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). The committee will also decide whether a flying ban should be imposed.
Under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s 2017 regulations governing unruly passenger behaviour, airlines must refer such incidents to an internal committee that is required to reach a decision within 30 days. Pending the committee’s findings, an airline may impose a temporary flying ban of up to 30 days. Depending on the severity of the offence, passengers found guilty of disruptive conduct may face longer restrictions under the DGCA’s no-fly framework.
Authorities have not disclosed the reason behind the passenger’s actions, and no evidence has emerged suggesting any broader security threat to the flight. The matter remains under review and further action will depend on the findings of Air India’s internal committee.
