Bengaluru-Surat Air India flight delayed after woman threatens to crash plane over baggage dispute

A Bengaluru-Surat Air India flight was delayed after a woman passenger, Vyas Hiral Mohanbhai, threatened to crash the plane over a baggage dispute. She was disembarked, arrested, and later found to have a history of public disturbances.

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-Surat Air India flight was delayed by nearly two hours on Tuesday after a 36-year-old woman passenger created a major disturbance onboard, allegedly threatening to crash the plane when asked to move her baggage.

The woman, identified as Vyas Hiral Mohanbhai, an Ayurvedic doctor residing in Shivanahalli near Yelahanka, was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport after the flight crew raised an alert. She was later handed over to airport police for further action.

According to authorities, Mohanbhai bypassed the regular check-in process and insisted on carrying both her bags onboard AI Flight IX2749. After boarding, she placed one of the bags in a restricted area near the crew cabin and took the other to her assigned seat in 20F.

When cabin crew requested her to store the bag in the overhead bin above her seat, she refused and demanded the crew take responsibility for the luggage. Despite repeated instructions from the crew and even the flight captain, she refused to comply and became aggressive.

Passenger threatens to crash plane over bag dispute 

The situation escalated when Mohanbhai allegedly shouted at fellow passengers and threatened to crash the flight if her bag was moved. The disturbance prompted the flight captain to call airport security.

CISF personnel were deployed to the aircraft and subsequently deboarded the passenger after consultation with the captain. The delay caused inconvenience to passengers and triggered a temporary security scare.

Disruptive behaviour continues at police station 

After being taken to the airport police station, Mohanbhai reportedly continued her unruly behaviour. According to the police, she used abusive language and even manhandled officers. “This is the first time we’ve heard such language inside the station,” a senior officer said.

Family claims history of public disturbances

Her husband, who later appeared before the police, said Mohanbhai had stopped practising medicine and was travelling to Gujarat to visit family. He revealed that she had a past history of creating disturbances in public spaces. Police are now verifying her background and reviewing previous incidents.