Security breach at Delhi airport: UK passenger from Bangkok dodges immigration; hunt on after major lapse

NEW DELHI: In a major security breach, a British national who arrived at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport from Bangkok allegedly fled without completing the mandatory formalities from the immigration area and escaped.

According to a report from news agency ANI, teams have been formed to trace the foreigner, identified as Fitz Patrick and holding passport number 55819**. On October 28, the British citizen arrived in New Delhi from Bangkok aboard Air India flight AI 333.

Police have registered a case in the matter, and the probe is on to track the person with technical and human intelligence help, including questioning of concerned officials.

According to ANI, Patrick evaded security personnel during the immigration clearance process. He exited the restricted area without completing the necessary formalities.

It is suspected that Patrick may have slipped out through an unsecured section of the arrival zone.

Meanwhile, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing a technical issue on Friday with the air traffic control (ATC) system. At least 100 flights were delayed, and several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, issued advisories for flyers.

In a post on X, Delhi Airport shared, "Due to a technical issue with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, flight operations at IGIA are experiencing delays. Their team is actively working with all stakeholders, including DIAL, to resolve it at the earliest."

"Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused," it added.

Air traffic control (ATC) refers to a ground-based service in which controllers manage and guide the movement of aircraft both on the ground and within controlled airspace.