British businessman Salman Iftikhar, 37, has had his jail term tripled after making abhorrent threats of gang rape, arson and murder directed at a senior flight attendant during a February 2023 mid-air incident.
The Event
On the London to Lahore flight, Iftikhar — seated in first class and accompanied by his wife and three children — became intoxicated and refused to comply with crew instructions, triggering a violent tirade. He threatened the cabin crew member by name, saying she would be dragged from her hotel room, gang-raped and set on fire. He also threatened to blow up the hotel floor where the crew stayed.
Legal Outcome
Initially, Iftikhar pleaded guilty to charges including threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. He was first sentenced in August 2025 to 15 months behind bars — a decision widely criticised as too lenient.
Following public outcry and a referral under the UK’s “Unduly Lenient Sentence” scheme, the Court of Appeal increased his term to 4 years and 3 months. The Solicitor-General described his abuse as a “tirade of hate and violence” against a flight-crew member simply doing her job.
Why This Matters
- The case underscores how seriously courts are treating aggravated threats of sexual violence and terror against airline crew.
- It sends a message that luxury, wealth or status do not shield individuals from accountability for egregious misconduct.
- For airlines and passengers, the incident highlights the increasing risks faced by cabin crew and the importance of robust protocols.
