A Delta Air Lines co-pilot was arrested Saturday evening at San Francisco International Airport immediately after landing, in a dramatic takedown involving multiple law enforcement agencies and federal agents. The suspect, 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar, was taken into custody without incident after Flight 2809 arrived from Minneapolis, concluding a months-long investigation into serious allegations of child sexual abuse.
Bhagwagar, who resides in Florida and has prior ties to Texas and California, was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued in Contra Costa County, where the investigation began in April 2025. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), coordinated the arrest, which unfolded on the tarmac just moments after the plane’s arrival.
Witnesses aboard the flight described a swift and unsettling scene. Passengers reported seeing nearly a dozen officers, some wearing tactical gear with HSI and other federal insignias, enter the aircraft and proceed directly to the cockpit. From there, they handcuffed Bhagwagar and escorted him through the cabin, leaving stunned passengers to speculate on what had just happened.
According to law enforcement sources, Bhagwagar is facing five felony counts of oral copulation with a child under the age of 10. The details of the investigation remain sealed, but the charges stem from an alleged incident reported earlier this year. Bhagwagar is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in Contra Costa County, with bail set at $5 million.
Delta Air Lines responded swiftly, issuing a statement confirming the pilot’s suspension pending further investigation. “Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and is fully cooperating with law enforcement,” a spokesperson said. The airline declined to provide further details regarding Bhagwagar’s employment history or the length of his tenure with the company.
This arrest marks one of the most high-profile mid-flight detentions involving a commercial airline pilot in recent memory. Although federal agents assisted in executing the arrest, the investigation remains under the jurisdiction of Contra Costa County authorities. Homeland Security Investigations, which is typically involved in cases of interstate child exploitation or trafficking, has not disclosed its specific role beyond assisting in the arrest.
Passengers aboard the flight were not informed of the situation during the flight itself. Many described a calm but tense atmosphere as authorities entered the aircraft. “We were all confused,” one traveler told local media. “We saw the agents walk straight to the cockpit, then saw a man being led away in cuffs. No one knew what was going on, but it was clear it was serious.”
No immediate court date has been announced for Bhagwagar, and legal proceedings are expected to begin once formal charges are filed and reviewed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Due to the nature of the charges and the age of the alleged victim, details are likely to remain limited to protect the identity of those involved.
The arrest raises broader concerns about background checks, oversight, and the psychological fitness of commercial airline pilots. While there is no indication that any crimes occurred during flights or involved passengers, the case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation when allegations involve individuals in positions of public trust and responsibility.
As of Monday morning, Bhagwagar remained in custody, and Delta confirmed that another pilot had been on board during Flight 2809 to complete the flight safely. No delays or disruptions were reported.
This remains an active investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Further updates will be provided as the legal proceedings unfold.