British national facing deportation escapes from Delhi airport immigration area

Patrick was scheduled to be deported to the United Kingdom via Thailand, said police. A search is on to find him

The incident raised concerns over airport security and the efficiency of immigration controls at one of India’s busiest international hubs. (File Photo)

In a serious lapse of security at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, a British national arriving from Bangkok allegedly escaped from the immigration area last week, prompting an extensive manhunt by security agencies.

Officials said the incident took place on October 28, when the passenger, identified as Fitz Patrick, a British citizen, landed in Delhi on Air India flight AI 333 from Bangkok.

Patrick was scheduled to be deported to the United Kingdom via Thailand, but managed to evade authorities after landing in Delhi. Police said during immigration clearance, he reportedly gave security personnel the slip and exited the restricted area without completing the mandatory formalities.

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Authorities suspect that the passenger may have fled through an unsecured section of the arrival zone, bypassing checks meant to prevent unauthorised movement.

The incident raised concerns over airport security and the efficiency of immigration controls at one of India’s busiest international hubs.

A senior official confirmed that teams from the Delhi Police, Bureau of Immigration, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are jointly investigating the breach. CCTV footage from the terminal and adjoining areas is being analysed to trace the fugitive’s movements.

Sources said an alert has been issued across airports and hotels in the National Capital Region to locate the missing passenger. The British High Commission has also been informed about the incident.

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