Two airport staff members were injured after a pistol carried by an Air India Express passenger accidentally went off during a weapon check at Varanasi Airport on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The passenger, who is reportedly from Azamgarh, was travelling with his wife to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810. He had a pistol and magazine with him and had declared the weapon before boarding, according to airport officials.
Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta said the incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. while the passenger and airport staff were checking the weapon and its documents. During the verification process, a round was fired from the pistol.
The bullet reportedly first struck the ground before hitting two AAICLAS screening staff members who were standing nearby. A female staff member suffered a gunshot injury to her thigh, while a male employee sustained an injury to his hand.
Both injured staff members were immediately taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical treatment. Airport officials said their condition was stable and they were receiving treatment.
Local police were informed about the incident and an investigation has been launched to determine exactly how the weapon was discharged during the security verification process.
The incident has raised concerns about firearm handling and safety procedures during weapon checks at airports, even when passengers have declared their firearms before travel.