Two people sustained injuries when a gun carried by an Air India passenger accidentally fired during a weapons inspection at Varanasi airport on Sunday.
The traveler from Azamgarh was flying with his wife to Mumbai on Air India flight IX-1810. He had declared a pistol and magazine before boarding.
Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta said the weapon and documents were being verified when the discharge happened, with both the owner and airport staff present.
The bullet struck the ground first before hitting two nearby employees. A woman was wounded in the thigh and a man in the hand.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on August 16, 2026, when the passenger fired during the check, injuring two AAICLAS screeners.
The director stated the injured were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre. Local police were informed and an investigation has begun.
Both staff members remain in stable condition under treatment, Gupta added.
