Two injured after Air India Express passenger’s gun goes off at Varanasi airport

Two people were injured after an Air India Express passenger’s gun went off at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday (August 16, 2026). The passenger from Azamgarh was going to Mumbai by Air India flight.

As per initial information, the passenger had declared his pistol and magazine. Suddenly, a bullet was fired from the pistol, and after hitting the ground, it hit a youth and a woman, who were managing in-line baggage screening.

The woman was shot in the thigh and the youth in the hand. Both the injured have been admitted to a private hospital.

“Today, 16.08.2026, at about 0930 hrs, a passenger travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai declared weapons on board the flight. During the weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited [AAICLAS] screeners,” read a statement by Varanasi Airport Authority.

“Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police have been informed, and an investigation is underway,” it added.