HONG KONG- A 53-year-old male passenger was arrested on a Cathay Pacific (CX) flight from Nagoya, Japan (NGO) to Hong Kong (HKG) for allegedly attempting to secretly record up a flight attendant’s skirt. The incident has highlighted privacy concerns in aviation settings.
The event took place on September 8, 2025, aboard flight CX563, resulting in immediate police intervention upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport. This case underscores the increasing recognition of upskirting as a serious offense worldwide.
Photo: By Simply Aviation – Twitter – Simply Aviation, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143814262Cathay Pacific Passenger Arrested
Cathay Pacific (CX) flight CX563, operated by an Airbus A321, departed from Nagoya’s International Airport (NGO) 3 hours late on September 8, 2025, for its 2,626 km journey to Hong Kong (HKG).
The flight landed around 4:00 PM local time. During the journey, a passenger witnessed a 53-year-old foreign man allegedly using a phone-like device attached to his shoe to film up the skirt of a 26-year-old female flight attendant as crew members moved along the aisle.
The suspect appeared aware of suspicion and attempted to head to the nearest toilet.
The witness alerted cabin crew, who notified authorities. At 3:51 PM, the victim reported the incident to the police.
Upon landing, Hong Kong police boarded the aircraft, arrested the suspect on suspicion of unlawful recording of intimate parts, and escorted both the suspect and the witness for questioning.
The case was transferred to the airport district crime investigation team, with the suspect held for further inquiries.
Under Hong Kong’s Crimes Ordinance, this offense carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Cathay Pacific expressed that it takes such incidents extremely seriously, maintains zero tolerance for behavior compromising crew or passenger safety and privacy, and provided support to affected crew members.
Photo: By Windmemories – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131834802Upskirting as an Emerging Issue
Upskirting involves non-consensual photography or video under clothing to capture intimate areas.
In Japan, the flight’s origin, it became a national criminal offense in 2023 amid public demands for stricter measures.
Japanese phones must emit a shutter sound when photographing, even on silent mode, but offenders often circumvent this by covering speakers or using disabling apps. While common on crowded transport, aviation cases are rising.
Reported by PYOK, this incident echoes prior events, including a December 2023 viral video of a passenger attempting to upskirt a flight attendant on an Asian airline.
In November 2023, an Aeromexico (AM) male flight attendant allegedly filmed up a female passenger’s skirt during boarding at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), positioning his phone upward while kneeling in the galley.
Aeromexico condemned the act, suspended the employee, and initiated an investigation, affirming no tolerance for inappropriate conduct.
Photo: By Afpwong – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42532700Legal Framework and Impact
Hong Kong’s Crimes Ordinance treats upskirting as a grave violation, aligning with international shifts toward harsher penalties. Japan’s 2023 law reflects victim-focused reforms, with advocacy groups advocating enhanced enforcement.
Comparable statutes exist in England, Wales, various European and Asian nations, and some US states, though application differs.
Airlines confront demands for better safeguards in confined spaces prone to such risks. Cathay Pacific’s prompt authority involvement and crew support exemplify proactive handling, yet the event prompts calls for improved training and monitoring in areas like aisles and galleys.
Social media amplifies public outrage, urging accountability in secure environments like aircraft.
Photo: Clément AlloingAviation Misconduct
Upskirting fits within wider unruly behavior trends in air travel. Incidents encompass assaults, misconduct, and security breaches, necessitating robust deterrence. Airlines enhance policies and law enforcement ties to mitigate disruptions.
The Aeromexico case spurred union supported probes, reinforcing zero-tolerance approaches. Such events stress vigilance to ensure onboard safety for everyone.
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