SINGAPORE- An Indian passenger has been charged in Singapore for allegedly molesting a flight attendant during a Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight. The incident occurred mid-air and led to his arrest upon arrival at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
Authorities state that the accused, Akash Tiwari, faces multiple charges, including use of criminal force and threatening behavior. If convicted, he could face jail time, fines, or additional penalties under Singapore law.
Singapore Airlines Passenger Jailed
The case involves a 36-year-old Indian national accused of inappropriate conduct toward a cabin crew member during a Singapore Airlines flight. The incident reportedly took place on February 9, 2026, while the aircraft was en route to Singapore.
According to police reports, the situation began when the flight attendant was serving the passenger at his seat. During this interaction, he allegedly made inappropriate physical contact with her. The crew member immediately objected and moved to the galley to continue her duties and prepare for landing.
The situation escalated when the accused allegedly followed her into the galley area. In the confined space, he is said to have cornered and continued to pursue her, causing distress.
The crew member raised her voice and exited the area, but he allegedly followed her again into the aisle before returning to his seat, TOI reported.
Arrest at Singapore Changi Airport
The incident was reported to the airline supervisor during the flight. Authorities were alerted on the same day, enabling officers from the Airport Police Division to take action upon arrival.
Akash Tiwari was arrested after the aircraft landed at Singapore Changi Airport. Investigations were carried out promptly, leading to formal charges being filed in court.
A gag order has been imposed to protect the identity of the flight attendant. Officials have withheld specific flight details to prevent identification.
The accused faces charges of using criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, along with allegations of threatening behavior. During court proceedings, he stated that he was not guilty.
Under Singapore law, a conviction for molestation can result in up to three years in jail, a fine, caning, or a combination of these penalties. The additional charge of causing harassment, alarm, or distress carries a possible sentence of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
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Similar Incident
A British passenger on Singapore Airlines (SQ) Flight SQ309 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Singapore (SIN) faces multiple charges after alleged mid-air misconduct.
The incident involved abusive language, threats, and physical assault toward passengers and crew, prompting legal action under Singapore law.
Singapore Airlines Passenger Misconduct Case
Steven George Harris, 62, has been charged with four offences following an incident aboard Singapore Airlines (SQ) Flight SQ309. The flight was operating from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) between April 27 and April 28, 2025.
According to court filings, Harris allegedly used racially offensive language toward fellow passengers. He reportedly made remarks about racial mixing and expressed discriminatory views that caused distress onboard.
In a separate episode, Harris is accused of threatening another passenger with the statement “I’ll kill you,” which led the individual to fear for their safety. Authorities classified this as criminal intimidation.
The situation escalated when Harris allegedly shoved a flight attendant twice. The second push caused the crew member to fall. He also directed abusive and derogatory comments at another crew member, using profanity and belittling language.
Charges and Legal Implications
Harris faces one charge of criminal intimidation and one charge of using insulting language intended to cause harassment. He also faces two additional charges under Singapore’s Air Navigation Act for misconduct toward airline crew.
These offences were reported to have occurred during the flight window between 5:15 p.m. on April 27 and 6:20 a.m. on April 28 while the aircraft was in transit.
Court Proceedings and Penalties
Harris appeared in court on July 29 and entered a plea of not guilty. The case has been scheduled for a pre-trial conference in the following month.
If convicted, the harassment charge may result in up to six months in jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. Criminal intimidation carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. If the threat involves intent to cause death, the sentence can extend up to 10 years.
Under the Air Navigation Act, disorderly or abusive conduct toward airline crew may lead to imprisonment of up to five years, fines reaching S$100,000, or both.
