Rustom Bhagwagar, a Delta Airlines co-pilot, was arrested inside the cockpit at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on July 26, 2025. The 34-year-old, who is of Indian origin, is facing five felony counts of child sexual abuse, sparking serious questions about airline vetting processes and pilot accountability.
Who Is Rustom Bhagwagar?
Rustom Bhagwagar is a licensed co-pilot for Delta Airlines with clearance to operate Boeing 757-300 aircraft. He reportedly lived in San Ramon, California, before moving to Florida. Public records suggest he has no known criminal record prior to this arrest.
According to authorities, Bhagwagar had been under investigation since April 2025. The arrest took place after he landed Delta Flight 2809 from Minneapolis to San Francisco, where law enforcement boarded the plane and took him into custody in the cockpit.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The charges against Bhagwagar are deeply serious, five felony counts of oral copulation with a child under 10. He is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $5 million bail. Law enforcement has emphasized the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The other pilot on board was reportedly unaware of the charges or the arrest plan. Delta confirmed Bhagwagar has been suspended indefinitely and stated the airline maintains a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding criminal behavior.
Delta Airlines Responds to Scandal
Delta Airlines has launched an internal review. In a public statement, the company said it is cooperating fully with federal and local authorities and emphasized that safety and integrity remain core values. The airline has not released details about how long Bhagwagar has been employed or whether additional disciplinary actions are pending.
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Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have urged the public to report any relevant information. Officials have not disclosed whether additional victims may be involved but confirmed the case remains active and evolving.
A Shocking Fall from the Skies
The arrest of Rustom Bhagwagar has rocked public trust in aviation safety and pilot conduct. As investigations continue, this case underscores the importance of rigorous background checks and swift accountability for those in high-trust professions. Updates will follow as more details are confirmed.
