Quick summary
A 52-year-old Indian national was arrested at Perth International Airport on April 13, 2026, after allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger during Scoot Airways flight TR16 from Singapore. Sudhir Kumar Chahuan faces one count of sexual intercourse without consent (maximum 12 years imprisonment) and three counts of act of indecency without consent under Australia’s Crimes (Aviation) Act. The victim alerted cabin crew mid-flight, was relocated to another seat, and the suspect was monitored until the Australian Federal Police boarded the aircraft upon arrival.
Chahuan appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on April 14 and was remanded in custody, with a bail hearing scheduled for April 18. The charges apply Australian federal law to international flights landing in Australia, establishing jurisdiction over in-flight crimes regardless of where the aircraft is registered.
Arrest follows mid-flight crew intervention on Singapore–Perth route
The alleged assault occurred during the four-and-a-half-hour flight on April 13, with the victim seated next to the suspect in economy class. She managed to alert flight attendants, who immediately relocated her to another seat and monitored Chahuan for the remainder of the flight. The Australian Federal Police boarded the aircraft at the gate and arrested him before passengers disembarked.
Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal emphasized zero tolerance in a statement: “Every passenger has the right to feel safe when travelling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers.” He urged anyone subjected to unwanted contact to alert airline staff, the AFP, or airport security as soon as safely possible.
The charges carry severe penalties under Australian law. Sexual intercourse without consent is broadly defined to include any penetration or oral intercourse, with a maximum sentence of 12 years. Each count of act of indecency without consent carries up to seven years imprisonment. The AFP confirmed the investigation is being conducted jointly with the Western Australia Police Sex Assault Squad.
| Charge | Legal basis | Maximum penalty | Court status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual intercourse without consent | Crimes (Aviation) Act s15(1) | 12 years imprisonment | Remanded April 14 |
| Act of indecency without consent (3 counts) | Crimes (Aviation) Act | 7 years per count | Bail hearing April 18 |
| Joint investigation | AFP + WA Police Sex Assault Squad | Ongoing | Evidence gathering |
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Federal aviation law enables prosecution of in-flight crimes
The Crimes (Aviation) Act grants Australian authorities jurisdiction over offenses committed on international flights landing in Australia, regardless of the aircraft’s registration or the airline’s nationality. This legal framework has been used in comparable cases — a 2023 Qantas Sydney–Perth assault resulted in a two-year sentence under the same statute.
Scoot operates 21 weekly flights between Singapore and Perth using Boeing 787-8 aircraft, competing with Singapore Airlines (14 weekly, A350-900) and Garuda Indonesia (7 weekly, Boeing 777-300ER). Current round-trip economy fares on the route sit around SGD 345, approximately 23% above the 90-day average of SGD 280, reflecting increased demand during the Australian autumn travel period.
The case follows a recent 10-month prison sentence handed to a Ryanair passenger who forced a flight to abort landing by refusing to sit down — signaling courts across multiple jurisdictions are imposing harsher penalties for in-flight safety violations.
How different traveler groups should respond
The incident has different implications depending on traveler profile and booking patterns.
Solo female travelers face heightened risk perception on budget long-haul routes where seat density limits personal space. Request window or aisle seats through the Scoot app before departure, and alert crew immediately if uncomfortable with seating proximity. Cabin crew are trained to relocate passengers without requiring detailed explanations.
Families with children should note that crew prioritize minors in relocation decisions during incidents. Pre-select family seating blocks via the airline’s seat selection tool to maintain group cohesion. Scoot allows advance seat selection for a fee, which provides control over proximity to other passengers.
Business and frequent flyers will experience minimal schedule impact but may face increased security scrutiny during boarding. Use elite status to secure preferred seating with greater separation from other passengers. Singapore Airlines’ premium economy option on the same route offers significantly more personal space for those prioritizing comfort.
Budget-conscious travelers should weigh the higher seat density on low-cost carriers against full-service alternatives. Economy class on Scoot uses 3-3-3 Boeing 787 configuration, while Singapore Airlines operates 3-3-3 on A350 with wider seats. The fare premium for Singapore Airlines typically runs 40–60% higher but includes seat selection and greater crew-to-passenger ratios.
What to do if you’re booked on Singapore–Perth flights
The route remains operational with no schedule changes, but travelers should take specific precautions given the developing legal case and ongoing court proceedings.
- Request seat relocation before departure through the Scoot app or by calling customer service if traveling solo. Airlines cannot guarantee specific seat assignments but will note preferences in booking records.
- Report concerns immediately to cabin crew, AFP Airport Watch at 131 237, or airport security if you experience unwanted contact. Crew are required to notify authorities upon landing per AFP protocols.
- Document incidents using phone notes or voice memos if safe to do so. Australian law allows victims to file civil claims under the Australian Consumer Law in addition to criminal proceedings.
- Access support resources through the Sexual Assault Resource Centre at 1800 199 888 if you’ve been affected by similar incidents. Services are available 24/7 for Australian residents and visitors.
Watch: CASA may announce a safety audit of Scoot following the April 18 bail hearing. If mandated, expect enhanced pre-boarding security checks on Singapore–Perth flights, potentially increasing boarding times by 15–20 minutes for several weeks.
Questions? Answers.
What legal protections apply to passengers assaulted on international flights to Australia?
The Crimes (Aviation) Act gives Australian authorities jurisdiction over offenses on international flights landing in Australia, regardless of aircraft registration. Victims can report to cabin crew or AFP, and may pursue civil claims under Australian Consumer Law in addition to criminal proceedings. The Sexual Assault Resource Centre (1800 199 888) provides 24/7 support.
How should solo travelers protect themselves on long-haul budget flights?
Request window or aisle seats through airline apps before departure to control proximity to other passengers. Alert cabin crew immediately if uncomfortable — they’re trained to relocate passengers without requiring detailed explanations. Pre-selecting seats (even with fees) provides greater control over personal space on high-density aircraft.
Will this incident affect Scoot’s Singapore–Perth flight schedule?
No schedule changes are planned. Scoot continues operating 21 weekly flights on the route using Boeing 787-8 aircraft. However, CASA may order a targeted safety audit following the April 18 bail hearing, which could temporarily increase boarding times by 15–20 minutes if enhanced security checks are mandated.
What’s the difference between Scoot and Singapore Airlines on this route for safety-conscious travelers?
Both airlines meet identical CASA safety certification requirements. The key difference is cabin density: Scoot uses 3-3-3 economy configuration with 372 seats, while Singapore Airlines operates 3-3-3 with wider seats and lower density (253 economy seats). Higher crew-to-passenger ratios on full-service carriers may enable faster incident response.
