Sexual Assaults on Airplanes Increasing, Often Underreported

CBS News investigation finds over 170 cases of passenger-on-passenger assaults in 2024, up from 130 the prior year.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A CBS News investigation found the FBI investigated more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024, up from about 130 the year before. However, experts believe the cases are widely underreported, as the airline industry and authorities do not aggressively track in-air assaults. Many of the incidents happen on long distance or international flights, often at night and when the attacker has consumed alcohol.

Why it matters

This issue highlights growing concerns about passenger safety and the need for better reporting and accountability around in-flight sexual assaults. With more cramped seating and fewer flight attendants to monitor cabins, passengers may be increasingly vulnerable to such attacks, which can have lasting emotional and psychological impacts on victims.

The details

The investigation found that while the number of reported cases is a small fraction of the millions of air travelers each year, the cases are sharply on the rise. Many incidents happen on long distance or international flights, often at night and when the attacker has consumed alcohol. Factors like tighter seating and fewer flight attendants may contribute to the problem, making it harder for witnesses to see and for crew to monitor the cabin.

  • The FBI investigated more than 170 cases of passenger-on-passenger assaults on flights in 2024.
  • This is up from about 130 cases the year prior, in 2023.

The players

Renee Solofra

A passenger who was sexually assaulted by an intoxicated seatmate on a flight from Chicago to Florida in September 2023. She pressed charges against her aggressor, who pleaded guilty to battery.

Daniel McAdams

The passenger who sexually assaulted Renee Solofra on a flight and pleaded guilty to battery.

Sara Nelson

The international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, who said she herself has been a victim of sexual assault on a flight and explained how current cabin conditions can make it harder for flight attendants to monitor and respond to such incidents.

Daisy Ayllón

A partner at the Chicago-based law firm Romaucci and Blandin, which represents about a dozen women, including Solofra, who say they've been sexually assaulted on airplanes.

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What they’re saying

“I already had the back of my neck grabbed; I had my hand grabbed; I'd had my cellphone taken out of my hand and had to take it back from the individual. We were close to landing and at that point in time, I had crossed my arms on my lap, closed my eyes and was just thinking to myself, 'we're finally going to land.' And that's when he grabbed my breast.”

— Renee Solofra (CBS News)

“It affected my job, it affected my life. I was scared to travel. I had to try to have my voice heard, and the amounts of counseling and therapy that I've gone through — and I've never gone through therapy before in my life. It turned my world upside down.”

— Renee Solofra (CBS News)

“Today, actually, ironically, with more eyes literally in the cabin, but closer together and no line of sight between the rows, it's difficult for witnesses to see this.”

— Sara Nelson, International President, Association of Flight Attendants (CBS News)

“The sad thing about this is that people don't know that this is happening consistently. There is no system currently that requires the airlines to actually report the numbers.”

— Daisy Ayllón, Partner, Romaucci and Blandin law firm (CBS News)

“Silence only protects the aggressor. There needs to be reform and we're not going to stop until that reform happens.”

— Renee Solofra (CBS News)

What’s next

Renee Solofra has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines over her assault, and the law firm representing her and other victims is pushing for better reporting and accountability from airlines on in-flight sexual assaults.

The takeaway

This investigation reveals a troubling trend of rising in-flight sexual assaults that are likely underreported due to gaps in information sharing and accountability. Addressing this issue will require airlines, law enforcement, and policymakers to work together to improve passenger safety, reporting, and transparency around this growing problem.