Crimes Aboard Aircraft
Did you know that the FBI investigates crimes committed aboard aircraft, in airports, and related to air travel?
Crimes During Flights
The FBI investigates the following violations if they’re committed during a flight:
- Sexual misconduct, including sexual assault; indecent exposure; lewd, indecent, sexual, or obscene acts; and indecent/sexual proposal to a minor
- Assault, including striking or hitting, throwing an object, grabbing or unwanted touching, and spitting
- Interference with flight crew members, including assault, threats or intimidation, and/or an attempt or conspiracy to do the same
- Theft
Airport-Based Violations
We also investigate the following airport-based violations:
- Violence against persons and property at international airports. The FBI investigates this violation if:
- the victim or offender is a United States national
- or if the offender is located within the U.S.
- Interfering with airport security screening personnel ahead of a flight, including airport employees or airline employees working at the gate.

Report Incidents and Tips
- If you’ve been the victim of one of these crimes or have witnessed one take place, report it to your flight crew, airport authority police, and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
- Also reach out to the FBI if you observe any suspicious activity in an airport or during a flight.
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06.06.2025 Tulsa Man Convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact After Groping a Woman on a Flight to Dallas
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06.06.2025 Depew Man Charged with Entering Secure Area at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport
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05.22.2025 Man Who Made Bomb Threat on a Flight to Seattle Sentenced to Federal Prison
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05.20.2025 Delta Airline Stowaway Sentenced to a Felony Conviction
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05.13.2025 Florida Man Found Guilty by Jury
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05.13.2025 Man Who Attempted to Stab Flight Attendant and Open Airplane Door Mid-Flight Pleads Guilty
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05.02.2025 Post Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Pointing Laser at Helicopter
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05.02.2025 Florida Man Sentenced for Assaulting Gate Agent at DFW Airport