Air hostess under threat receives defense from influencer's spouse, as Pakistani individual issues rape threats
Former British Executive Jailed for Airplane Threats and Racial Harassment
Salman Iftikhar, a former British executive and founder of recruitment firm Staffing Match, is currently serving a 15-month prison sentence for threatening and racially harassing a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant during a flight from London to Lahore in February 2023[1][2][3][5].
The incident took place on board the flight, where Iftikhar was intoxicated and his behaviour escalated. He disembarked without arrest in Pakistan, but crew members managed to get him back into his seat during the flight[1]. His threats included graphic and violent language, notably threatening to gang-rape and kill the air hostess, Angie Walsh, who testified about the trauma caused by the incident[4][5].
Iftikhar also made specific threats towards Walsh, stating that she "will be dead," and added that the hotel where she would be staying in Lahore would be blown up[1]. He also identified the hotel and threatened to set it on fire if she were to be taken from her room[1]. Furthermore, Iftikhar shouted at Walsh and referred to her as "racist" and made a reference to her hometown in Cardiff[1].
In addition, Iftikhar attempted to attack another crew member, a male attendant named Tommy Merchant[1].
Following his arrest more than a year later in March 2024 at his home in England[1][4], his company reportedly went bankrupt, owing $22.8 million[4].
Regarding his wife's response, Abeer Rizvi, who is an influencer with a significant social media following, has publicly defended him. She has framed his conduct as stemming from mental health struggles and urged people to show compassion and refrain from judgment. Rizvi emphasized the importance of kindness and understanding in her Instagram posts shortly after his sentencing, stating, “Mental health is not a joke. Behind every story, there’s pain you don’t see. Before judging, try understanding. Be kind. Be human.” She lives in Pakistan and supports him publicly despite the conviction[2][3].
Angie Walsh was left traumatized and unable to work for 14 months due to the incident[1].
[1] BBC News, "Former British executive jailed for threatening Virgin Atlantic flight attendant," 6 August 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-58141491
[2] The Guardian, "Salman Iftikhar jailed for threats and racial harassment of Virgin Atlantic flight attendant," 6 August 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/06/salman-iftikhar-jailed-for-threats-and-racial-harassment-of-virgin-atlantic-flight-attendant
[3] The New York Post, "British executive jailed for threatening to kill Virgin Atlantic flight attendant," 6 August 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/08/06/british-executive-jailed-for-threatening-to-kill-virgin-atlantic-flight-attendant/
[4] The Telegraph, "Salman Iftikhar: Former British executive jailed for threatening flight attendant," 6 August 2025, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/06/salman-iftikhar-former-british-executive-jailed-threatening-flight/
[5] Sky News, "Salman Iftikhar: Former British executive jailed for threatening Virgin Atlantic flight attendant," 6 August 2025, https://news.sky.com/story/salman-iftikhar-former-british-executive-jailed-for-threatening-virgin-atlantic-flight-attendant-12415724
Abeer Rizvi, Iftikhar's wife and a popular social media influencer, publicly defended him by framing his conduct as a result of mental health struggles and urging compassion and understanding. The events surrounding Iftikhar's imprisonment did not go unnoticed in the world of entertainment and general news, with celebrities and crime-and-justice networks covering the tale of the former British executive jailed for threats and racial harassment.
In the realm of entertainment and social media commentary, the trial and sentencing of Salman Iftikhar, who made specific threats towards a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, served as a focal point for discussions surrounding mental health, racial harassment, and accountability, echoing broader themes in crime-and-justice reporting.
