Air India’s Flight Turned Back as Passenger Manhandles Crew Members

NEW DELHI: A London-bound flight from Air India returned to New Delhi after an unruly passenger allegedly attacked two crew members on the flight. The statement from the airline mentioned that the flier was deboarded upon reaching New Delhi and a police case was registered.

The official statement from the airline mentioned that the flight was destined for Heathrow Airport in London but turned back shortly after the take-off due to the "serious unruly behaviour of a passenger." According to reports, the plane had to change its course somewhere over Peshwar in Pakistan.

The statement released by Air India stressed the importance of safety, security and dignity of everyone onboard. It also added, "We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers and have rescheduled the flight to depart for London this afternoon."

"Not heeding to verbal and written warnings, the passenger continued with unruly behaviour 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," the statement added.

The Boeing 787 plane had taken off from New Delhi at 6:35 AM only to return to the same airport at 9:42 AM, about three hours later mentioned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. They have also started an investigation regarding the incident.

The family members of the unruly passenger in question mentioned that he was in fact mentally unstable.

This is the latest incident in the long list of problems that have bugged the aviation sector of the country in the last few years. Several circles have been urging for more stringent laws in the sector to ensure that the perpetrators receive exemplary punishments and ensure the safety of the crew as well as the rest of the passengers.

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