A 36-year-old Indian national is set to face court charges after allegedly molesting and harassing a female cabin crew member during a flight travelling to Changi Airport. The incident reportedly occurred while the aircraft was en route to Singapore, prompting swift action from aviation authorities and the police.
According to the Singapore Police Force, the suspect will be charged over his alleged involvement in offences linked to outrage of modesty and intentional harassment committed on board an aircraft. The case highlights the serious legal consequences passengers may face if they engage in criminal behaviour during a flight.
Authorities emphasised that incidents involving misconduct against airline staff are treated with utmost seriousness, particularly when they occur within the confined environment of an aircraft cabin.
Alleged Incident Occurred During In-Flight Service
Preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged incident took place while the cabin crew member was performing her duties during the flight. The woman was reportedly serving the passenger near his seat when he allegedly touched her inappropriately.
The crew member immediately warned the man to stop and attempted to continue her duties by returning to the aircraft’s galley area to prepare for landing procedures.
However, the passenger allegedly followed her to the galley section of the plane. Authorities said he continued behaving in a harassing manner, moving closer to the crew member and cornering her in the narrow space typically used by airline staff for food preparation and operational tasks.
Such incidents are particularly concerning as cabin crew often operate in tight spaces with limited ability to distance themselves from disruptive passengers.
Crew Member Reported Incident to Supervisor
The situation escalated when the female crew member raised her voice and left the galley to distance herself from the passenger. Despite this, the man allegedly continued following her into the aisle area of the aircraft cabin.
Reports indicate that he only returned to his seat after the crew member reported the matter to her supervisor. Airline supervisors are trained to respond to disruptive passenger behaviour and coordinate with airport authorities when necessary.
Once the aircraft landed at Changi Airport, officers from the Airport Police Division conducted follow-up investigations. The suspect was subsequently arrested after authorities reviewed the incident and gathered preliminary evidence.
Possible Penalties Under Singapore Law
The man is expected to face charges under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code, read together with provisions under the Tokyo Convention Act 1971. The offence relates to using criminal force against another person with the intent to outrage modesty.
If convicted, the offence carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.
In addition, the suspect will also face a charge under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014. This legislation addresses behaviour that intentionally causes harassment, alarm, or distress to another person.
Conviction under this law may result in a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
Authorities reiterated that maintaining safety and professionalism on board aircraft is critical, and passengers who engage in criminal acts against crew members will face strict legal consequences under Singapore law.