Federal agents arrested a Delta co-pilot on child pornography charges at San Francisco International Airport on July 26, 2025, moments after his flight from Minneapolis landed. The suspect, Rustom Bhagwagar, 34, of Florida, was taken into custody in the cockpit by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The arrest, carried out in front of passengers, stemmed from a warrant related to five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10. Bhagwagar is being held at Martinez Detention Facility on $5 million bail and, as of July 29, has not yet been formally charged in court.
The investigation began in April 2025 after Contra Costa County authorities received reports of sex crimes against a child. According to Department of Homeland Security officials, “anyone who commits depraved crimes against a child, including U.S. citizens, will face consequences.” Delta Air Lines immediately suspended the co-pilot and stated it has “zero tolerance for unlawful conduct,” pledging full cooperation with law enforcement. The airline referred further questions to authorities.
Passengers on the Delta flight were told to remain seated during the arrest. No delays or safety incidents resulted from the operation. The case highlights the ability of federal and local law enforcement to act quickly in aviation settings and may prompt airlines to review crew background checks and reporting procedures. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this is one of the most high-profile in-flight arrests of a commercial airline pilot in recent United States 🇺🇸 history, showing increased coordination between agencies.
In a separate incident the same day, an American Airlines jet caught fire during takeoff at Denver International Airport. American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was scheduled to fly to Miami when a loud boom and flames erupted from the left main landing gear area. Pilots aborted takeoff at high speed, stopping the plane and ordering an emergency evacuation. All 173 passengers and six crew members exited safely, with one person hospitalized for minor injuries. Video from the scene showed a tire rolling away and flames near the landing gear.
American Airlines reported that a blown tire and sudden braking caused the fire, which Denver Fire Department quickly extinguished. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the mechanical failure, focusing on tire integrity and emergency response. The aircraft, delivered new in July 2021, has been removed from service for inspection. The incident delayed over 300 flights at Denver but airport operations soon returned to normal.
Both events raise questions about airline safety and crew vetting. Passenger advocacy groups may call for stricter background checks and improved maintenance oversight. Industry analysts expect increased regulatory scrutiny, especially for high-use aircraft like the 737 MAX. Delta and American Airlines have pledged to cooperate fully with investigators.
For official updates on aviation safety and regulations, readers can visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety page. These incidents remind travelers and airlines alike of the importance of strong security, thorough background checks, and regular aircraft maintenance to protect everyone in the skies.
Learn Today
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) → Federal agency investigating crimes including child exploitation and immigration violations affecting national security.
Oral copulation → A criminal sexual act involving oral contact with a child, punishable by law.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → U.S. agency that regulates and oversees all aspects of civil aviation safety and security.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) → Independent agency investigating civil transportation accidents and promoting safety improvements.
Martinez Detention Facility → A Californian jail where suspects are held pending charges or trial.
This Article in a Nutshell
A Delta co-pilot faced arrest on child pornography charges mid-flight while American Airlines experienced an emergency tire fire, highlighting aviation security and maintenance concerns overall.
— By VisaVerge.com
