A Virgin Atlantic passenger who threatened to 'gang rape and set alight' a cabin crew member has had his sentence increased from 15 months to four years and three months.
Salman Iftikhar, 38, from Iver, Buckinghamshire, was originally sentenced in August 2025 for one count of threats to kill and one count of racially aggravated intentional harassment. The incident occurred on a flight from London to Lahore, Pakistan, when Iftikhar, who was drunk, picked up ice with his hands and was asked to return to his seat by a female crew member.
Instead of complying, he swore at and racially abused her before threatening that she would be raped and killed in her hotel room. The abusive rant continued throughout the eight-hour flight, with Iftikhar also threatening that the crew's hotel would be blown up. The situation was so serious that a diversion to Turkey was considered.
In a personal statement, the victim said she remains 'haunted and traumatised' and had to take 14 months off work. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme after public outcry, including from the Conservatives who argued the original sentence was too short compared to other cases.
Solicitor General Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP said: 'Salman Iftikhar made horrific threats of rape and violence against an air steward who was simply doing her job. His tirade of hate and abuse caused distress and anguish for the whole flight.'
