Pakistani Businessman Sentenced in London for Threatening Virgin Atlantic Flight Attendant with Gang-Rape and Terror Acts

Image: Jihad Watch

A Pakistani-origin businessman, Salman Iftikhar, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison by the Isleworth Crown Court in London for a deeply disturbing and violent mid-air incident that unfolded aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Lahore in February 2023. The 37-year-old father, who was flying in first class with his wife and children, shocked passengers and traumatized crew members after threatening to gang-rape a senior air hostess and blow up her hotel in a tirade that carried strong elements of racial and terrorist threats.

The incident occurred on February 7, 2023, and left a lasting psychological scar on the airline staff—most notably on veteran stewardess Angie Walsh, who was forced to take a 14-month medical leave due to the emotional trauma inflicted during the flight.

From Champagne to Chaos: A First-Class Nightmare

Iftikhar, who had been drinking champagne at the in-flight bar, initially caused disruption by helping himself to ice with his bare hands—prompting the crew to ask him to return to his seat. Instead of complying, he lashed out verbally and grew increasingly aggressive.

In a loud and threatening tone, he accused senior flight attendant Angie Walsh of racism, shouting, “You called me a p*** in front of everyone,” and hurling more abuse: “Don’t tell me what to do, you racist f***ing bitch. I know where you are from in Cardiff.” His aggression didn’t stop there. He physically confronted Tommy Merchant, a male cabin crew member, grabbed him by the chest, and challenged him to a fight.

Chilling Threats of Gang Rape and Bombings

As the confrontation escalated, Iftikhar delivered what the court later described as “jihadist-style threats.” He shockingly revealed specific details about the crew’s hotel arrangements in Lahore, stating that he knew the exact hotel and floor where the Virgin Atlantic crew would be staying.

In a menacing outburst, he told Walsh, “The white sheep-s**ing bitch will be dead. The floor of your hotel will be blown up, and it will disappear. You will be dragged by your hair from your room, gang-raped, and set on fire.”

His chilling knowledge of the crew’s accommodations and graphic threats led some members of the flight crew to consider diverting the plane to Turkey. When informed about this possibility, Iftikhar's behavior became even more unhinged. He claimed to have high-level contacts and threatened the crew again, while his wife and children pleaded with him to stop. His wife attempted to restrain him, but he pushed her away and continued his tirade, oblivious to the panic he was causing.

Delayed Justice and a Lavish Lifestyle

Despite the grave nature of his actions, Iftikhar was not arrested upon arrival in Lahore. It took over a year for authorities in the UK to take action. He was finally arrested on March 16, 2024, at his opulent £1 million residence in Iver, Buckinghamshire.

By then, Iftikhar had returned to his extravagant lifestyle, reportedly living with two wives—one in the UK and one in Pakistan—and owning several high-end cars and properties. He was also known as the director of a recruitment company, Staffing Match, which had collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic, allegedly leaving millions in unpaid debts.

Court Proceedings: Denials, Excuses, and a History of Crime

In court, Iftikhar pleaded guilty to making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. He was, however, acquitted of physically assaulting flight attendant Tommy Merchant. His defense cited “amnesia and blood loss” during the incident and brought up his history of alcohol and drug problems as mitigating factors.

The judge rejected those claims, especially in light of Iftikhar’s prior criminal history, which included 15 offenses such as drunk driving and assault. Judge Rufus Alexander labeled the threats as “appalling” and emphasized their devastating impact on the victim, Angie Walsh.

“This Incident Broke Me”: A Veteran Stewardess Speaks Out

Angie Walsh, who had spent over three decades serving as a flight attendant, spoke with raw emotion in her victim impact statement. “I am a strong, brave, happy stewardess … but this incident has broken me … never in my entire career flying have I not been sure what to do.” Her words painted a vivid picture of how deeply the episode had affected her professional and personal well-being.

Virgin Atlantic Responds with Support and Zero Tolerance

Virgin Atlantic issued a strong statement condemning Iftikhar’s behavior and praising their crew for managing the terrifying ordeal with professionalism. “Our crew acted with the highest professionalism in handling this terrifying situation. Virgin Atlantic maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of any kind directed at our staff,” the airline stated, adding that the company remains committed to supporting crew members subjected to any form of harassment or violence.

Conclusion: A Case That Raises Serious Concerns

The case of Salman Iftikhar underscores the dangers airline staff can face even at 30,000 feet, particularly in an age where racial hatred, misogyny, and terrorism-inspired threats can surface in unexpected ways. It also exposes serious loopholes in international aviation protocols, considering that a man who issued terrorist threats aboard a commercial flight was able to walk free upon arrival and continue living in luxury for over a year. The sentencing, though long-delayed, brings some measure of justice—but it leaves behind troubling questions about how such cases should be handled in the future to better protect flight personnel and passengers alike.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)