Neetu Kadian, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gomti Zone, Varanasi Commissionerate, identified the passenger as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district.

Rai was scheduled to travel from Varanasi to Mumbai with his wife when the incident occurred. According to the police, two ground staff members were injured in the incident. Their condition is reported to be stable.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway. It is not immediately clear whether Rai or his wife was subsequently allowed to board the flight.

According to FlightRadar24, Air India Express flight IX1810 departed Varanasi 14 minutes later than its scheduled departure time.

Are passengers allowed to carry firearms on flights?

According to the Air India website, passengers are permitted to carry one licensed revolver, pistol or shotgun, along with up to 50 cartridges, in registered baggage, subject to applicable safety and security regulations.

Passengers must declare the firearm at the time of check-in and fulfil all prescribed safety and security requirements. A designated form must also be completed by the passenger and verified by the airport manager.

For journeys involving other airlines, passengers are advised to check the respective carrier's rules and restrictions regarding the carriage of firearms and ammunition.

Serving personnel of the Indian Defence Forces, paramilitary forces, police and customs officials travelling on official duty may be exempt from handling charges, provided they carry an official Movement Order issued by their respective department authorising the carriage of weapons and/or ammunition for official purposes.

Sportspersons travelling domestically or internationally for competitions or representing the country may also be eligible for exemption, subject to certain conditions. These include carrying a valid identification document, a firearm and ammunition licence or authorisation, and a bonafide certificate issued by the president or secretary of the sponsoring sports club for the shooting event.

The rules also apply to international flights, subject to local laws, restrictions and necessary permits.

Handling charges

For domestic flights, Air India levies a handling charge of Rs 5,000 plus GST per firearm and/or 50 cartridges per passenger.

For international flights, the airline charges USD 100 for most international routes, while the charge for Canada routes is CAD 150, with the latter amount inclusive of taxes.