Two pilots have been grounded following reports of a mid-air fight inside the cockpit on a New Year’s Day flight from London.
The Jet Airways crew, reported to be in a relationship, have been “de-rostered” after the male pilot allegedly slapped his female colleague during an argument on the flight to India.
The female co-pilot apparently fled the cockpit in tears, followed later by her male colleague - while the plane was in the air with 324 passengers onboard.
She had to be persuaded to go back into the cockpit by cabin crew.
The Indian airline confirmed that a “misunderstanding” occurred and said the crew involved had been taken off flight duties, pending an investigation.
The incident occurred on flight 9W 119 which left Heathrow at 10am travelling to Mumbai.
Indian newspaper reports said the pair have been flying together for many years.
However, the row is said to have turned violent around two-and-a-half hours away from Mumbai.
A source told The Indian Express: “The cabin crew persuaded her to go back to the cockpit but she refused. Following this, the male pilot came out of the cockpit, leaving the operations to the care of a cabin crew (which is a violation of flight safety norms) and persuaded her to return to the cockpit.”
The flight landed safely in Mumbai.
Jet Airways said it reported the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and has launched an internal investigation.
It said in a statement: “A misunderstanding occurred between the cockpit crew... However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight continued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely.
“The airline has reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the concerned crew have been de-rostered pending an internal investigation that has since been initiated.
“At Jet Airways, safety of guests, crew and assets is of paramount importance and the airline has zero tolerance for any action of its employees that compromises safety.”
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