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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Rosaleen Fenton

Plane passengers attack staff with food, phones and shoes after flight delay

Three women have been arrested after an incident where airport staff were punched and pelted with mobile phones and metal signs in front of shocked passengers. 

Police said the trio are now facing battery charges over the attack which officials said was sparked by a flight delay.

The incident took place on Tuesday night at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

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According to American carrier Spirit Airlines, three employees suffered minor injuries after the women “became combative following a delayed flight.”

Local media 10.com said police reports allege that the women pelted the workers “with miscellaneous items, such as phones, shoes, full water bottles, metal boarding signs and fast food.”

The shocking incident was captured on camera outside the gate of a flight to Philadelphia.

In the footage, the women on camera can be seen throwing things at the staff before going behind the desk and attacking at least one of the employees.

The arrest documents say that the victims were "punched and kicked in different sections of their bodies numerous times."

The women arrested are all from Phildadelphia.

Tymaya Wright, 20, was arrested on charges of touch or strike battery and petit theft for allegedly taking a Spirit employee’s phone.

Danaysha Dixon, 22, was arrested on charges of or strike battery.

Keira Ferguson, 21, was arrested on charges of touch or strike battery.

A spokesman for Spirit Airlines said: “We thank our team members for their professionalism and quick actions, and we also thank the Broward Sheriff’s Office for their assistance at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport yesterday.

"Three guests became combative following a delayed flight, and they were arrested for physically assaulting our team members.

"Three of our team members sustained minor injuries.

"This violent behavior is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in airports or any other place of business

"We will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind. further questions about this incident should be referred to law enforcement.”

The Sheriff’s Office have said that their investigation is ongoing and that the women may face additional charges.

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