The Air India flight was flying to Heathrow Airport from Indira Ghandi international airport but returned after the passenger started behaving aggressively within 15 minutes of takeoff.

The customer reportedly hit a cabin crew member and pulled their hair, according to the Hindustan Times.

Air India said that the London-bound flight returned to Delhi “shortly after departure due to the serious unruly behaviour of a passenger on board”.

It added that the passenger did not heed the “verbal and written warnings” and instead “continued with unruly behaviour including causing physical harm to two of the cabin crew members”.

The pilot decided to return to Delhi and the passenger was handed over to the security personnel upon landing, the statement said.

A police complaint has been filed against the man, whose identity was not revealed by the authorities.

A spokesman for Air India said: “Air India flight AI 111 scheduled to operate Delhi-London Heathrow on April 10, 2023 returned to Delhi shortly after departure due to the serious unruly behaviour of a passenger on board.

“Not heeding verbal and written warnings, the passenger continued with unruly behaviour including causing physical harm to two of the cabin crew members.

“The pilot in command decided to return to Delhi and the passenger was handed over to the security personnel upon landing.”

They added: “An FIR [first information report] has also been lodged with the police. Safety, security and dignity of all on board is important to us at Air India.

“We are providing all possible support to the affected crew members. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers and have rescheduled the flight.”