Indian National Charged with Criminal Intimidation After Mid-Flight Incident on Scoot Flight to Singapore

Singapore, April 1 – An Indian national, Kolathu James Leo, has been formally charged with criminal intimidation and several other offences after allegedly causing a major disturbance on a Scoot flight from Sydney to Singapore on February 27.

Mid-Flight Chaos Leads to Restraint and Arrest​

Leo, 42, is accused of displaying aggressive and disruptive behaviour mid-flight, reportedly while under the influence of alcohol. According to The Straits Times, his actions included shouting, attempting to detach a seat pocket, hitting the seat in front of him, and threatening to kill a male crew member.

When cabin crew attempted to intervene, Leo allegedly grabbed a flight attendant’s right wrist and refused to calm down. As his behaviour escalated, the crew was forced to restrain him for the remainder of the journey.

Arrest Upon Arrival at Changi Airport​

Singapore Police confirmed that the cabin crew took control of the situation onboard, restraining Leo after warning him that the flight could be diverted back to Australia if he continued his conduct. He reportedly became compliant only after this warning.

Upon landing at Changi Airport, officers from the Airport Police Division arrested Leo immediately.

Charges and Legal Consequences​

Leo faces multiple charges under Singaporean law:

• Criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening to kill a crew member, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine.
• Using criminal force against a flight attendant, punishable by up to three months in jail and a fine of up to SGD 1,500.
• Being intoxicated on board, which could result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to SGD 20,000.

He is expected to plead guilty on April 22.

Flight Safety Concerns​

The incident raises ongoing concerns about flight safety and the increasing number of in-flight disturbances caused by intoxicated passengers. Singapore's strict aviation and public safety laws are designed to address such cases with severe consequences to deter future occurrences.