Who is Davide Sampson? British Airways Passenger Accused of Assaulting Five People on Dubai to London Flight

Chaos unfolded aboard a British Airways Airbus A380 flight from Dubai to London Heathrow after a passenger, identified as Davide Sampson, allegedly attacked and sexually assaulted multiple people mid-flight.

Alleged Mid-Air Assaults

According to prosecutors, 21-year-old Davide Sampson boarded the flight while intoxicated and went on to assault four women and one man from the cabin crew at 39,000 feet. The attacks reportedly put the safety of the aircraft at risk.

The young passenger, who hails from Slough, Berkshire, is accused of endangering the aircraft as well as verbally abusing others on board. Prosecutors allege his actions included harassment, racial abuse, and failing to follow the lawful orders of the pilot.

Charges Against Davide Sampson

Sampson faces a long list of charges, including:

• One count of sexual assault

• Five counts of assault by beating

• One count of endangering an aircraft

• Two counts of racially aggravated intentional harassment

• One count of using threatening or abusive words

• Failing to obey the lawful commands of the pilot

• Interfering with the duties of an aircraft crew member

• Entering an aircraft while drunk

The seriousness of the charges reflects the potential risk his actions posed not only to passengers and crew but also to the safe operation of the flight.

Court Appearance

On his first court appearance at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, Sampson wore a blue overshirt with white trousers. He spoke only to confirm his personal details.

Magistrate Nigel Shock informed him that his next court appearance will be at Isleworth Crown Court on October 24, 2025, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

He was granted bail but warned that failing to appear would result in additional charges.

Public Reaction and Aviation Safety Concerns

The case has drawn widespread attention as another reminder of how drunken and violent passenger behavior poses serious risks to aviation safety. Airlines, including British Airways, continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward abusive or disruptive conduct onboard.