Suspected presence of COVID - 19 - affected passengers in a Pune - Delhi AirAsia flight led to a scare in the plane and the pilot - in - command disembarked them from the the cockpit's secondary exit using a secure trestle.
The passengers, however, were subsequently tested negative.
The incident occurred on March 20.
"There was a case reported of suspected COVID - 19 passengers aboard I5 - 732, Pune to New Delhi on March 20, seated in row 1.
The passengers were subsequently screened and tested negative, " said a spokesperson with the airline.
The spokesperson further said that as a safety measure, the aircraft was parked at a remote bay and suspected passengers were disembarked from the front door and all other passengers, escorted by the crew, disembarked from the rear door of the aircraft.
"Crew in the cockpit self - quarantined till the cabin environment near the primary exit was ascertained to be safe.