Contra Costa County Woman Indicted for Assaulting Crew and Security at SFO After International Flight

A Contra Costa County woman, Reshma Kamath, is indicted on multiple charges stemming from a disruptive incident aboard Air India flight 173 from Delhi to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The indictment alleges Kamath assaulted flight attendants during the flight and continued her disruptive behavior upon arrival, engaging in physical altercations with security personnel and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. The incident underscores the growing concern regarding passenger behavior and the safety of flight crews and airport staff.

The unsealed indictment details a series of aggressive confrontations initiated by Kamath, including verbal and physical abuse of two flight attendants. Upon landing at SFO, Kamath allegedly struck an SFO security employee and resisted arrest by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. If convicted, Kamath faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for each count of interference with flight crew members, along with potential fines and additional prison time for the other charges.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Yeh, representing a collaborative effort between the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the San Francisco Police Department Airport Bureau, and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies are working in concert to address the increasing concerns surrounding air travel safety and the protection of individuals responsible for ensuring secure journeys for passengers. The incident highlights the challenges airlines and airport authorities face in managing unruly passengers and maintaining a safe environment for all travelers and employees.

Kamath's initial plea was entered in district court, with her next court date scheduled for January 7, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen. The Department of Justice emphasized that the indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences for disruptive and violent behavior on commercial flights and within airport facilities.