Two senior officials, Anup Bhargava and Chandan Mishra, were offloaded from Akasa Air flight QP1358 travelling from Goa to Delhi on 30 January 2026 after allegedly misbehaving with cabin crew over luggage handling, leading to the flight being delayed by more than 90 minutes.
The airline confirmed the removal was in line with company protocols prioritising the safety and well‑being of passengers and staff. Bhargava initially refused to deboard, reportedly making phone calls and resisting until fellow travellers intervened.
Both were reportedly in Goa to attend India Energy Week, and visuals from the flight show heated exchanges before they were eventually removed.
Luggage Tussle Escalates Mid‑Boarding
The incident on Akasa Air’s flight QP1358 unfolded as cabin crew assisted passengers with placing bags in the overhead compartments, a routine task aimed at safe and efficient storage.
Crew member Abhinav was helping several passengers, including Bhargava and Mishra, when the two allegedly objected to him touching their baggage. According to reports, they told Abhinav not to handle their bags. When he explained that he was assisting for the convenience and safety of all travellers, the situation deteriorated rapidly.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest Bhargava became aggressive and verbally abusive, accusing the crew member of inappropriate conduct and threatening him. He reportedly said, “Are you acting like a goon here? How did you touch my bag? Wait, I’ll show you my power,” before allegedly pushing the crew member. Despite the cabin crew’s efforts to pacify him with an apology, both Bhargava and Mishra allegedly continued their disruptive behaviour.
Crew members, bound by established safety protocols, determined that the conduct of the two was untenable in a confined aircraft environment and asked them to deboard in the interest of discipline and passenger safety. It is standard aviation practice for airlines to take firm action against passengers whose conduct jeopardises the safety or comfort of others on board.
Resisting Removal, Disturbing Fellow Travellers
After being instructed to leave the aircraft, Bhargava reportedly refused to comply, choosing instead to stand at the aircraft door and make multiple phone calls. Other passengers, visibly uncomfortable with the delay and disruption, intervened to ask him to disembark.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts and visuals published by media outlets, Bhargava remained at the entry gate for several minutes before finally exiting. Mishra was also seen arguing with crew members before he was taken off the flight.
The disruption delayed the scheduled departure by more than one and a half hours, a period that airlines say is necessary to manage safety risks and resolve onboard incidents before flight. Once the two were offloaded and the cabin secured, the pilot made an announcement to the remaining passengers explaining the delay.
Sources reported that both Bhargava and Mishra hold senior positions at ISGEC, an engineering company, and had travelled to Goa to attend India Energy Week, a large industry event drawing business leaders and policymakers.
Airline’s Position and Broader Context
In response to the incident, an Akasa Air spokesperson reiterated that the crew followed established protocols in accordance with company policies and that the comfort and well‑being of passengers and crew remain a top priority. The airline’s statement underlined that safety comes above all and that disruptive behaviour cannot be tolerated on board.
This is not the first time Akasa Air has had to deal with unruly behaviour. In October 2025, another flight experienced a disruption when a passenger became disorderly, forcing crew and security personnel to intervene before departure. In that instance too, the airline emphasised its zero‑tolerance stance toward behaviour that endangers crew or fellow passengers.
Aviation regulators and major carriers globally have clear protocols to handle such incidents. These include deboarding passengers who display verbal abuse, physical intimidation, or non‑compliance with crew instructions. Such actions not only risk in‑flight safety but can also lead to broader delays, increased operational costs, and serious legal consequences for the offenders.
Meanwhile, Akasa Air has faced regulatory scrutiny unrelated to passenger conduct. Recent audit findings by the country’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), flagged procedural lapses, particularly in cabin safety assurance and documentation, suggesting the importance of stringent safety oversight across airline operations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident, while specific, highlights enduring challenges within the aviation ecosystem where individual behaviour intersects with collective safety obligations. Frontline airline staff play a critical role in ensuring that every flight operates smoothly and securely.
They deserve respect and cooperation rather than hostility, regardless of the context of disagreement. Disorderly conduct in a confined environment like an aircraft not only endangers others but also imposes greater stress on crew members whose foremost responsibility is passenger safety.
At its core, this episode is a reminder of the need for mutual respect, patience, and empathy when travelling. Conflicts can arise, but escalating them into verbal or physical confrontations serves no one and worsens the situation for all involved. Civil discourse, understanding of safety protocols, and adherence to crew instructions are not just courtesy they are essential for the wellbeing of everyone on board.
