An American Airlines manager was hospitalized and left with permanent scarring to her face and head after she was attacked by passenger who was due to depart on a flight from Miami International Airport (MIA).
According to a police report seen by NBC 6 South Florida, the American Airlines flight was due to leave for LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on November 27, 2023, when the passenger told a cabin crew member he suffered panic attacks and his medication had been packed in his checked-in luggage.
The report said the passenger told staff that he had “took planes down with panic attacks in the past”, however he was advised that the medication could not be retrieved.
It was decided that the passenger should leave the aircraft, but when a manager approached him, he began to scream and pushed the staff member.
According to the report, as he left the plane the passenger punched the manager several times in the face and threw her to the floor.
As she fell, the manager struck her head on the jetbridge and she was subsequently taken to hospital.
As the passenger ran away, he then pushed a gate agent, who also fell to the floor and injured her hands.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the passenger kicking and screaming as he was subdued by members of the public.
NBC 6 reported that the 29-year-old passenger was charged with aggravated battery, battery, disorderly conduct, and resisting an officer without violence.
“Acts of violence against our colleagues are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation. Our thoughts are with our team member, and we are ensuring they have the support they need at this time,” American Airlines said in a statement following the incident.