ZURICH- A 44-year-old Indian businessman has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl aboard Swiss International Air Lines (LX). The crime occurred on a Swiss flight LX155 from Mumbai (BOM) to Zurich (ZRH) in March, leading to his arrest upon landing.
Despite the severity of the crime, the court handed him a suspended 18-month prison sentence and barred him from entering Switzerland for five years. Swiss International Air Lines described the case as a “tragic incident” and emphasized its crew’s swift response.
Photo: Clément AlloingSWISS Passenger Assault Girl
The incident happened on March 17, 2024, during the eight-hour overnight service from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) to Zurich Airport (ZRH).
According to the Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office, the teenage victim was seated next to the accused, who was en route to Belgium via Zurich for business meetings.
Initially, the victim had a brief conversation with the man before trying to sleep. Prosecutors detailed how the suspect put his arm around her, then began inappropriate physical contact.
He proceeded to touch her intimate areas, penetrated her digitally, and forced her to touch him over his clothing. The victim, described as being in a state of shock, was unable to resist or call for help during the assault.
Eventually, she alerted the cabin crew, who promptly moved her to another seat and closely monitored the suspect for the remainder of the flight. Police were waiting on arrival in Zurich, where the man was taken into custody, PYOK reported.
Photo: Zurich AirportCourt Verdict and Sentence
Swiss authorities charged the businessman with sexual assault under updated rape laws that broadened the definition of non-consensual penetration.
Despite the conviction, the court imposed a suspended 18-month sentence, meaning the man avoided immediate prison time. In addition, he received a five-year entry ban to Switzerland.
The ruling has sparked debate over sentencing in such cases, as many argue the punishment does not reflect the seriousness of the crime.
Photo: By James Rowson – http://www.airliners.net/photo/Swiss-International-Air/Airbus-A340-313/2453963/L/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37637828Changes in Swiss Rape Laws
Until 2023, Switzerland’s legal definition of rape was narrow, requiring evidence of physical force, threats, or coercion. This excluded acts of penetration that occurred without explicit consent but without violence.
In 2024, reforms introduced a broader definition. Now, any sexual penetration without consent qualifies as rape, even if the victim is in shock or unable to resist.
The shift reflects the principle of “no means no” and aims to strengthen protections for victims of sexual violence.
Photo: By Shinsuke Ikegame – Daily Photos in Vancouver, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39788291Rising Concerns About In-Flight Sexual Assaults
The Swiss case underscores a wider global issue: sexual assaults on aircraft are on the rise. In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reported a significant increase in complaints, with cases nearly doubling between 2014 and 2019.
Although the pandemic temporarily reduced incidents due to lower passenger volumes, recent data shows numbers climbing again as air travel rebounds.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, most in-flight sexual assault cases involve female victims under 20 years old, with offenders often taking advantage of dark cabins during overnight flights. Alcohol consumption, close seating arrangements, and limited supervision create conditions where such crimes can occur.
The United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has also acknowledged an increase in complaints related to sexual misconduct on flights, though exact figures remain underreported. Advocacy groups argue that many victims choose not to speak up until much later, fearing stigma or believing their complaints will not be taken seriously.
Experts stress that airlines must strengthen training for crew, standardize reporting protocols, and coordinate closely with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators are not allowed to walk away unchallenged.
The FBI advises victims to report incidents as soon as possible—either on board or immediately upon landing—to preserve evidence and support prosecution.
Photo: Thomas Naas PhotographyBottom Line
Swiss International Air Lines confirmed that its crew followed established procedures during the incident. A spokesperson noted that flight attendants are trained to detect unusual behavior and respond quickly to protect passengers.
The airline stressed its commitment to passenger safety and emphasized ongoing training for staff to handle sensitive situations effectively.
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