In-Flight Sexual Assaults: Rising Concerns & Underreporting

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot will convene Air France’s leadership on Monday to address mounting allegations of sexual harassment and assault within the company, following a Radio France investigation. The announcement, made Friday, comes after the publication of numerous testimonies from flight attendants, stewards, and pilots detailing incidents of “sexist and sexual violence,” according to Radio France’s reporting.

The Radio France investigation revealed a pattern of misconduct, prompting Minister Tabarot to state he was taking the revelations “very seriously.” He indicated an initial discussion with Air France’s leadership took place Friday, setting the stage for Monday’s formal meeting to demand explanations.

The scope of the problem extends beyond Air France, with reports indicating a broader increase in sexual assault incidents aboard aircraft globally. A 2019 report by the New York Times, highlighted by TVA Nouvelles, documented an “alarming rate” of such incidents. TV5Monde reported that these assaults often occur during flights and are largely unreported, with airline staff frequently lacking the training to appropriately handle such situations.

The current investigation at Air France follows a similar pattern of silence-breaking seen in the wider “MeToo” movement. The Radio France report details internal documents and personal accounts that illustrate the extent of the issue within the airline.

Minister Tabarot’s decision to intervene follows a similar move last year, when he announced he would convene Air France leadership to discuss the allegations. The initial announcement was made on February 14, 2025, following the initial reporting by Radio France.