A 20-year-old Indian national, identified only as Rajat, has been formally charged with molestation after allegedly assaulting a Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight attendant and forcing her into an aircraft lavatory during a flight on February 28, 2025.
The alleged incident took place mid-air, though authorities have not publicly disclosed the flight route. Rajat is accused of grabbing the female crew member against her will, making inappropriate contact, and coercing her into a lavatory before she managed to escape and alert colleagues.
Singapore Airlines confirmed that the matter was reported to authorities upon landing, and airport police were waiting to arrest Rajat when the plane touched down.
The incident is now part of a growing concern over in-flight misconduct, especially after another case involving Singapore Airlines made headlines earlier this month. On April 10, Balasubramanian Ramesh, a 73-year-old Indian national, was sentenced to nine months in prison for molesting four flight attendants during a long-haul flight from San Francisco to Singapore.
In Rajat’s case, investigations are ongoing, but he has been formally charged under Singapore’s Penal Code for outrage of modesty, an offence punishable by up to two years in jail, a fine, and caning.
A Singapore Police Force spokesperson said:
“The accused allegedly used criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of the victim, a flight crew member who was performing her duties. Such acts will not be tolerated, and offenders will be dealt with strictly.”
Singapore Airlines reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for all crew and passengers. A spokesperson stated:
“The safety and wellbeing of our cabin crew is of utmost importance. We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harassment onboard our aircraft.”
Rajat has been remanded for further investigation and will appear in court again next week. His bail application has not yet been decided.
The airline is reportedly reviewing its onboard safety protocols and support systems for flight attendants, including potential increases in security training and response procedures for in-flight assaults.
The public is reminded that inappropriate behaviour towards airline staff is a serious offence under both Singaporean law and international aviation regulations.
