A woman passenger slapped the Air India's female employee at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport after she was reportedly denied air ticket for reporting late.

The passenger, a resident of Haryana who was boarding the Ahmedabad-bound flight from the IGI airport, was refused by the Air India ground staff to issue the ticket after she failed to appear in the estimated boarding time.

The altercation took place after the woman had an argument with the employee. However, the Air India staffer also slapped the woman back and the issue was later resolved amicably.

"There was an argument between the duty manager and her, following which some altercation took place. That altercation has now been resolved with the help of security and police," said Air India spokesperson.

"A PCR call regarding quarrel at checking counter, T-3, IGIA was received at PS IGI Airport. It was found that one Lady passenger had to board Air India Flight No AI 019 to Ahmedabad at 0500 hrs. She reported at 0418 hrs for check-in and was denied boarding," said DCP, IGI airport

The DCP said that the argument started between the passenger and Air India lady staff and the passenger slapped her, following which the lady staff also slapped her in retaliation.

However, both parties compromised the matter between them and did not want any action. "The matter has been filed," the DCP said.

Earlier in May, the Centre had issued draft rules for a no-fly list for the aviation sector after the instance of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad who assaulted an Air India crew member in March.

As per the rules, a passenger who displays disruptive behaviour onboard a plane, even when it is is on the ground, can face a flying ban ranging from three months to a lifetime.

The duration of the ban will depend on the severity of misdemeanor, which has been divided into three categories - verbal assault, physical fight or sexual assault and life-threatening behaviour.