A violent incident at Palma Airport in Majorca left a Ryanair employee injured after a confrontation over luggage weight escalated. The event unfolded on March 10, 2024, when a passenger, reportedly from South America, became aggressive after being informed that his suitcase exceeded the airline’s weight limit.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the passenger reacted with fury, punching the Ryanair worker in the face multiple times. Initial reports suggest that the worker sustained severe injuries, including a split lip and several lost teeth. According to the union CCOO, the employee required immediate medical attention following the incident.
The confrontation occurred at the check-in counter for flight FR2062, which was scheduled to depart for Madrid. Eyewitness accounts detail how passengers and staff were alarmed by the sudden outbreak of violence. One bystander noted, “Passengers backed away, screaming filled the air, cell phones captured the moment, and staff attempted to control the man until security arrived.”
Security personnel, including Guardia Civil officers and Trablisa security guards, quickly responded to the situation. The assailant was apprehended and restrained, allowing order to be restored. The incident delayed the flight until authorities resolved the situation and cleared the area.
In the aftermath, the CCOO union condemned the attack, labeling it “completely inadmissible” for passengers to resort to violence against airport staff. They expressed solidarity with the injured worker and called for a thorough review of security measures at Palma Airport, managed by the Spanish airport authority, AENA.
The union emphasized the need for airlines to recognize potential risks that can lead to aggression and to implement strategies to mitigate such incidents. They highlighted that violence against airport staff is an “occupational hazard” that must be addressed through preventive measures.
In a statement, the Occupational Health and Environment Secretariat of the CCOO Federation of Public Services declared that any violent reaction by passengers against airport personnel is “completely unacceptable,” regardless of the circumstances. The union called for the adoption of measures aligned with Convention 190 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which underscores the right to work in environments free from violence.
Additionally, the CCOO urged companies to ensure that victims of violence receive adequate support, counselling, and compensation. They advocated for the effective implementation of a conflict management protocol that outlines steps for staff to take when confronted with aggressive behavior.
As the investigation continues, the CCOO has reached out to Ryanair for further comment on the incident and its response to ensuring the safety of its employees.
