Woman physically attacks airport check-in staff after missing her flight

Emirates says passenger arrived late with expired passport

A woman physically attacked a member of Emirates check-in staff at an airport in Mexico when she missed her flight.

Video captured from the incident on 1 November 2022 shows the passenger, who appears extremely distressed, punching and kicking an Emirates employee, before vandalising parts of Mexico City International Airport.

She climbed over the counter, entering several check-in desks and throwing equipment onto the floor, before standing on top of the desks and shouting.

Computers, keyboards and fellow passengers’ luggage were among the items hurled around by the unnamed woman, as well as desk chairs, which she upended.

The airline revealed that the woman became angry after she tried to check-in late and was informed by staff that her passport had expired.

The dramatic scene was captured on video and shared online, going viral on ViralPress before being shared on Fox News.

Staff can be seen shouting for help in the footage, before the disruptive passenger is eventually removed by security.

It is not clear which flight she was attempting to travel on.

Emirates told The Independent: “Emirates can confirm that on 1 November an incident occurred at the check-in counter at Mexico City International Airport, whereby a passenger reported late to the check-in counter was also found to be travelling with an expired passport.

“The customer was refused travel and became unruly and physically abusive to the ground staff, making it necessary for airport security and the police to intervene. The safety of our passengers and crew is of critical importance and will not be compromised.”

There have so far been no updates on whether the woman is still in police custody.

Commenters on the video had mixed reactions, with some condemning her behaviour and others suggesting the woman could be facing mental health crisis, and calling for compassion.

The Independent has contacted Mexico City International Airport for comment.

The video follows a recent incident in New Zealand in which a man admitted to urinating on the floor and exposing himself to fellow passengers on a plane.

The man, who was drunk during the flight, was charged with disorderly behaviour in public, and was given a probation sentence.