Bengaluru Doctor Deboarded Air India Express Flight After ‘Crash’ Threat Over Baggage Dispute
Bengaluru, India – A 36-year-old doctor from Bengaluru was deboarded from an Air India Express flight and subsequently taken into custody after she allegedly threatened to “crash the plane” during a heated argument with cabin crew over a baggage space issue. The alarming incident, which occurred on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, minutes before flight IX2749 was scheduled to depart from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) for Surat, led to a two-hour delay and a significant security scare.
The Incident: A Demand and a Threat
The passenger, identified as Dr. Vyas Hiral Mohanbhai, reportedly boarded Air India Express flight IX2749 with two bags, bypassing the check-in counter and insisting on carrying both into the cabin, which is against airline protocol. The situation escalated when Dr. Mohanbhai placed one of her bags in the first row, a restricted area near the crew cabin, before taking her designated seat at 20F.
When cabin crew members objected to the bag’s placement and requested her to store it in the overhead compartment near her seat, she allegedly refused. Instead, she demanded that the crew themselves move the bag to her seat. Despite repeated requests from the cabin crew and even the intervention of the pilot, Dr. Mohanbhai reportedly refused to comply, becoming verbally abusive and shouting at both the airline staff and fellow passengers who attempted to reason with her.
The situation reached a critical point when she allegedly threatened to “crash the flight” if her baggage was moved.
Immediate Action and Legal Consequences
Alarmed by the severe threat and disruptive behavior, the pilot and crew immediately alerted airport security. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel quickly boarded the aircraft and escorted Dr. Mohanbhai off the flight. The entire ordeal caused a two-hour delay for the Bengaluru-Surat flight, affecting all passengers on board.
The Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) police subsequently registered a case against Dr. Vyas Hiral Mohanbhai. She has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 351(4): Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication.
- Section 353(1)(b): Statements conducing to public mischief. She has also been charged under Section 3(1)(a) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, which pertains to acts of violence against a person on board an aircraft that are likely to endanger its safety.
According to police sources, her disruptive behavior continued at the KIA police station, where she allegedly abused and manhandled officers. Her husband informed the police that she had stopped practicing medicine and had caused disturbances in public places previously. She was later granted bail after being produced in court.
Impact on Passengers and Safety Concerns
The incident underscores the heightened sensitivity around aviation safety, particularly in the wake of recent unfortunate events such as the Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. Airlines and authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that threatens the safety and security of passengers and crew.
Passengers on the affected flight faced an unexpected delay, highlighting the ripple effects of such incidents on travel schedules. Air India Express has not yet released an official statement on the matter, but such actions are routinely met with strict measures to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Steps for Affected Passengers (General Advice):
While this incident primarily involved the immediate removal and legal action against the individual, passengers affected by such delays or disruptions due to security concerns should generally:
- Stay Informed: Follow official announcements from the airline and airport authorities.
- Communicate with Airline Staff: Seek information regarding rescheduled flights or alternative travel options.
- Document Details: Keep records of the flight number, date, and details of the disruption for any potential claims (e.g., travel insurance).
- Know Your Rights: Understand airline policies regarding delays, cancellations, and rebooking options.
The swift action by the airline staff and authorities ensured the safety of all other passengers on board, preventing a potentially more dangerous situation.