What started as a first-class journey from London to Lahore turned into a flight of horror when 37-year-old Salman Iftikhar, a recruitment tycoon with a taste for the high life, launched into a drunken, abusive tirade on board.
He hurled racial slurs, made terror threats, and even threatened to have a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant gang raped and set on fire.
And all of it happened while his wife and three children sat nearby, helpless and horrified.
The Man Behind the Mayhem
Salman Iftikhar wasn’t just any passenger — he was a businessman living in a £2 million home in Buckinghamshire, known for his collection of flashy cars and extravagant lifestyle.
Despite declaring bankruptcy with debts totalling over £17 million, he had managed to maintain a lavish public image.
He split his time between two wives — one in Pakistan, the other in the UK — and ran several staffing and training companies, although many had either folded or showed financial losses.
Supermodel Wife Breaks Silence with Cryptic Message
One of Iftikhar’s wives, Pakistani supermodel and actress Abeer Rizvi, took to Instagram after the disturbing footage of his outburst went viral.
While she didn’t directly name him, her message struck a sympathetic tone, writing:
“Mental health is not a joke. Behind every story there is pain you don’t see… Be kind. Be human.”
Her words sparked backlash from many who were shocked that she seemed to be defending her husband after such serious accusations.
Lavish Living with a Shaky Foundation
Back in the UK, Iftikhar lived with his other wife, Erum Salman, and their three children.
The couple shared a sprawling six-bedroom home and were often seen with high-end vehicles like Bentleys, Range Rovers, and a Rolls Royce parked outside.
Neighbors described him as flashy, arrogant, and disruptive — often revving sports cars down the quiet residential street, blasting loud music, and even being spotted smoking weed on the driveway.
One local said, “He liked showing off, but he never really mingled. You’d hear him before you’d see him.”
From Tycoon to Trouble: Business Empire Crumbles
Iftikhar once ran a thriving recruitment business called Core Labour Supply Limited, with an annual turnover approaching £90 million.
He reportedly paid himself dividends of nearly £1 million per year between 2018 and 2021.
But when COVID hit and major clients pulled out, the business couldn’t keep up with tax repayments.
The company eventually folded, leaving him millions in debt to HMRC and banks like HSBC.
Despite the financial collapse, Iftikhar continued to live large and later registered a new company called Staffing Match, which he claimed was run for his wife.
Flight Turns Chaotic After a Champagne Binge
The in-flight incident began when Iftikhar helped himself to ice at the bar — with his bare hands.
When asked to stop, he snapped, insulting the flight attendants and recording them on his phone.
Things escalated fast. He started yelling racist slurs at Angie Walsh, the lead stewardess, and made terrifying threats.
At one point, he shouted that she would be “dragged by her hair from her room and gang raped.”
Cabin crew considered diverting the flight to Turkey, but Iftikhar told them he “didn’t care” and bragged about having “contacts.”
Flight Attendant Left Traumatised and Broken
Angie Walsh, a respected veteran with 37 years of service at Virgin Atlantic, said the incident shattered her confidence.
In court, her victim impact statement revealed the emotional toll:
“I’ve flown into warzones and worked through 9/11, but this broke me.”
She was off work for 14 months and said she felt deeply vulnerable with nowhere to escape at 39,000 feet.
A Family in the Crossfire
Iftikhar’s wife and children were also caught in the chaos.
His wife was seen pleading with him to stop, while his children cried uncontrollably.
One moment in particular shocked cabin crew: Iftikhar pushed his wife away when she tried to speak to staff, causing her to nearly fall.
A crew member had to steady her.
Jail Time and a Tearful Courtroom
Appearing at Isleworth Crown Court, Iftikhar admitted to racially aggravated harassment and making threats to kill.
He was sentenced to 15 months in prison.
The judge, Recorder Annabel Darlow KC, didn’t hold back:
“This was an appalling incident… your threats were made in front of your children. You caused long-lasting trauma to your victim and your family.”
Iftikhar wept in the dock as the sentence was read.
A History of Trouble and Addiction
His defense team claimed Iftikhar suffered from “amnesia blood loss” and long-standing alcohol and drug abuse.
He had previous convictions, including drink driving, common assault, and being caught under the influence of cannabis in his Rolls Royce.
Despite his claims of success and remorse, the judge noted he had avoided facing his issues for years.
Virgin Atlantic Commends Crew’s Courage
In response to the incident, Virgin Atlantic praised the crew for their professionalism, stating:
“We take a zero-tolerance approach to any abusive behaviour.
We are incredibly proud of Angie for her bravery in court and will continue to support her fully.”