Salman Iftikhar First-Class Passenger Jailed for Threatening to Gang Rape and Kill Virgin Atlantic Stewardess
Tycoon Salman Iftikhar Terrorised Crew on London to Lahore Flight
A recruitment tycoon who unleashed a horrifying torrent of abuse aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight has been jailed for 15 months. Salman Iftikhar, 37, was flying first class with his wife and children when he threatened to gang rape and set fire to a senior stewardess, Angie Walsh.
“Do You Know Who I Am?”—Shocking Mid-Air Rampage
The outburst occurred mid-flight from London Heathrow to Lahore. Iftikhar, intoxicated and belligerent, hurled racist slurs and violent threats at cabin crew. Witnesses said he accused Walsh of racism and screamed: “You will be dragged by your hair and gang raped, and set on fire.”
His children were heard crying and begging him to stop as he threatened to blow up the five-star hotel the crew was staying at.
Court Hears Details of Vile Eight-Hour Outburst
Prosecutor Abdul Kapadia told Isleworth Crown Court that Iftikhar became enraged when told not to grab ice with his hands. He then recorded crew members and launched into a tirade, calling Walsh a “white Welsh c**”* and yelling at another attendant: “Do you know who I am? Let’s go right now.”
The threats were so severe that the pilot considered an emergency landing in Turkey.
Victim Impact: “This Broke Me”
Veteran flight attendant Angie Walsh, who has worked for Virgin Atlantic for 37 years, was left traumatised.
“I was abused for over eight hours… I’ve flown into warzones, but this broke me,” she said, adding that she took 14 months off work after the incident.
Lavish Lifestyle Hides Financial Ruin
Iftikhar, a father of three, lived in a £2 million home in Buckinghamshire and flaunted a luxury lifestyle with high-end cars and overseas holidays. His neighbours described him as flashy, arrogant, and loud—often revving engines late at night and smoking weed on the driveway.
Despite the wealth, his recruitment business, Core Labour Supply Limited, collapsed under £17 million of debt—£11 million owed to HMRC and £6.8 million to HSBC.
Two Wives, Multiple Businesses
While living with one wife, Erum Salman, in the UK, Iftikhar is also married to Pakistani actress and model Abeer Rizvi. The couple frequently share romantic videos online, showcasing a life of glitz and glamour. He currently owns another recruitment firm, Staffing Match, registered in his wife’s name.
Criminal History and Addiction Issues
Iftikhar has a criminal record spanning 15 offences, including assault and multiple instances of drink driving. He was once caught driving a Rolls-Royce under the influence of alcohol and cannabis. His lawyer cited “amnesia blood loss” and unresolved drug and alcohol problems as contributing factors to his behaviour.
Judge Condemns “Appalling” Violence in Front of Children
Recorder Annabel Darlow KC labelled the incident “appalling,” especially due to the presence of Iftikhar’s children during the threats.
“Your threats were of significant violence… your children had to be comforted by crew,” she said. “You have a long-standing and unaddressed problem with drugs and alcohol.”
Virgin Atlantic Responds: “Zero Tolerance for Abuse”
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson praised Angie Walsh and confirmed the airline’s zero-tolerance policy:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Angie and our crew for handling this distressing situation with courage and professionalism.”
