Gunfire at Indian Airport: 2 security personnel hospitalised after passenger's firearm discharge during check

An incident at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport left two security screeners hospitalized on Sunday morning after a passenger's firearm discharged during a routine inspection. The event occurred around 9:30 AM, just before Air India Express flight IX-1810 was scheduled to depart for Mumbai. The passenger, traveling with his wife, had declared his licensed firearm as per aviation regulations. While airport security personnel were examining the weapon, a bullet was fired, striking two screeners. Both injured staff members from the Airport Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS) were transported to the New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Airport Director confirmed the details, stating that local police have been notified and an investigation is underway. Authorities are examining the handling protocols during the inspection to determine if the discharge was accidental or intentional and if proper procedures were followed. The identities of the passenger and the firearm model are currently undisclosed as the inquiry continues.

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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 AAICLAS screeners. Local police have been informed and an investigation is underway.