In a dramatic turn of events at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), federal agents arrested Delta Air Lines co-pilot Rustom Bhagwagar on Saturday, July 26, on felony charges related to child sexual abuse. The arrest unfolded in front of stunned passengers as authorities boarded Flight 2809 upon its arrival from Minneapolis.
Rustom Bhagwagar, 34, of FL, pilot for @Delta, pulled off plane by deputies & @HSISanFrancisco after arriving at @flySFO from Minneapolis, arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting child, per @CoCoSheriff. $5M bail pic.twitter.com/k4EjIIgdNX
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 28, 2025
Arrest Captured on Video, Goes Viral Online
A viral video of the incident shows Homeland Security agents and air marshals storming the aircraft around 9:30 p.m. PST. Passengers captured the tense moment as law enforcement confronted Bhagwagar, a 34-year-old Delta co-pilot, at the gate.
🚨 BREAKING: A Delta pilot has been ARRESTED at San Francisco International on charges of Child S-xuaI Abuse Material, per Fox
Witnesses say at least TEN DHS agents bordered the plane as soon as it parked at the gate and took the pilot into custody.
GREAT WORK, DHS! pic.twitter.com/GiHkwf56e3
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 27, 2025
Charged With Felony Sexual Abuse of a Minor
According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Bhagwagar is accused of felony sexual abuse involving a child aged 10 or younger. Authorities had received intelligence that Bhagwagar was scheduled to co-pilot Flight 2809 and waited for the flight to land at SFO before executing the arrest.
Multi-Agency Operation Involved Homeland Security and Local Police
In a coordinated effort involving the Department of Homeland Security, air marshals, and deputies from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Bhagwagar was taken into custody without incident.
Detained on $5 Million Bail at Contra Costa County Facility
As reported by the Contra Costa Herald, Bhagwagar is currently being held at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond, California, with bail set at $5 million. Arrest records show he stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds. Records also indicate prior residences in San Ramon, Texas, and Florida.
Ongoing Investigation Underway
The case remains under active investigation by federal and local authorities. No additional details have been released at this time.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether Bhagwagar has retained legal representation or when he will appear in court. Delta Air Lines has not publicly commented on the incident as of this publication.
