A business-class passenger has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after unleashing a violent, racially aggravated tirade against cabin crew during an eight-hour flight from London to Lahore.
The passenger, identified as Iftikhar, was travelling with his wife and three children when he began binge-drinking champagne shortly after take-off. Witnesses say he subjected veteran flight attendant “Angie” — with 37 years of service — to repeated threats, including gang rape and being set on fire, while calling her offensive names.
Despite attempts by his crying children and distressed wife to calm him, the abuse continued throughout the flight. Cabin crew were forced to restrain him after he allegedly tried to fight another steward. He later threatened to blow up the hotel floor where the crew was due to stay.
Angie described the ordeal as career-shattering, saying it “has broken me.” She took 14 months off work to recover from the trauma.
In court, Iftikhar admitted to making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. His defence cited “amnesia blood loss” and a long-standing drug and alcohol problem. The judge, noting his “lengthy and appalling record of misconduct,” handed down a 15-month prison sentence.
Salman Iftikhar, 37, a wealthy recruitment boss, has been jailed for 15 months after unleashing a vile tirade against a Virgin Atlantic stewardess, Angie Walsh, at 39,000 feet.
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— Aviation24.be (@aviation24_be) August 13, 2025