Short-haul flights in Asia: Beware, thieves on board
Police authorities in various Asian countries are reporting a significant increase in thefts on airplanes. Organized gangs appear to be targeting money, particularly on short-haul flights.
According to the trade portal Travel Weekly Asia , Hong Kong recorded 169 cases of theft worth HK$4.32 million (US$550,000) in the first ten months of last year—a 75 percent increase over the same period in 2020. Malaysia reported 146 cases during the same period, compared to 88 in 2023.
According to Singapore's airport police, gang members often operate in pairs. They steal in small tranches—not the entire wallet, but only cash and a credit card—to avoid attracting attention. The thefts are coordinated and carried out quickly. Short transit flights, often last-minute tickets, are preferred.
Organized crimeThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) raised concerns in June about the increase in thefts reported by airlines over the past 12 to 18 months, particularly on Asian routes. Many suspects reportedly purchase last-minute tickets, carry no checked baggage, and frequently change airlines to avoid detection.
Singapore, in particular, appears to be a center of this type of gang crime. Between January and May 2025, three people in Singapore were charged with theft on board aircraft. Singapore Airlines and Scoot stated that cabin crew are trained to be alert for suspicious behavior and to assist authorities in investigations. However, passengers should also be vigilant, keep their valuables close to their bodies, and secure their carry-on luggage with a lock.
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