Denied boarding, woman slaps AI manager, who slaps her back

A woman flyer and an Air India duty manager, also a woman, slapped each other at the Delhi airport here on Monday following an argument, officials said.

The incident took place when the woman passenger, travelling from Delhi to Ahmedabad, reported nearly 30 minutes late at the airline's check-in counter to collect the boarding pass. The flight was scheduled to depart at 5 am, and she arrived at the airport around 4.20 am.

The staff refused to issue her boarding pass, and directed her to the Air India duty manager. The passenger entered into an argument with the duty manager.

According to officials, the woman passenger slapped the manager, who retaliated by slapping back. However, the two women later apologised to each other, and the issue was settled "amicably".

AI, cop's versions

According to an Air India spokesperson: "A woman passenger was told by a counter staff that she will not be able to check-in because she was late for the flight. This led to an argument and the staff directed her to the duty manager, who was also a woman, and there was an argument."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Airport) Sanjay Bhatia said, "A woman passenger had to board Air India Flight No AI 019 to Ahmedabad at 5 am. She reported at 4.18 am for check- in and was denied boarding. An argument ensued between her and the Air India woman staff. The passenger then slapped her. The woman staff, in retaliation, also slapped her."