The Ryanair worker was punched in the face and head-butted by a passenger (Image: Getty)
Unions are calling for tighter security at a popular Spanish airport after a Ryanair worker was punched in the face and lost several teeth. The incident occurred at Palma Airport, Majorca, during a confrontation over the weight of a passenger’s luggage. The passenger, a South American, reportedly erupted in fury when told his suitcase weighed too much.
Union CCOO said the man was booked on Ryanair flight FR2062 from Palma to the Spanish capital of Madrid. According to the union, the incident happened on Sunday after a staff member at the check-in counter told the passenger that his luggage weighed more than allowed. The passenger became violent and hit the Ryanair worker, who then required treatment from health workers.
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The Ryanair worked suffered a split lip and lost several teeth in the attack at Palma Airport, according to reports (Image: Getty)
No further details have been confirmed about his condition, but the CCOO said he was struck several times. However, according to Spanish press reports, the Ryanair worker had a split lip and lost several teeth in the attack. His assailant also head-butted him and needed medical treatment himself as he suffered a cut to his own forehead.
The incident was witnessed by a crowd of passengers who were said to have been frightened and shocked by the violence.
« Passengers backed away, screaming filled the air, cell phones captured the moment, and staff attempted to control the man until security arrived. Within minutes, Guardia Civil officers and Trablisa security guards stormed the terminal and apprehended the perpetrator, who was restrained and handcuffed immediately, » one newspaper reported. « Flight FR2062 was delayed until the crisis was resolved and the area affected by the altercation was cleaned up. »
The union has condemned the aggression, calling it « completely inadmissible » that passengers respond violently to airport workers.
« We stand in solidarity with the attacked worker and demand a review of the current security measures, » they said in a statement.
CCOO said it contacted AENA to review the current situation and improve security measures at Palma Airport (Image: Getty)
CCOO said it contacted the Spanish airport authority, AENA, to review the current situation and improve security measures at the airport. It added that it is important for companies to be aware of which situations may increase the risk of aggression and to take measures to avoid them.
The Occupational Health and Environment Secretariat of the CCOO Federation of Public Services and the aviation sector has condemned the attack and described as « completely unacceptable » any violent reaction by passengers against airport staff, « whatever the reason. »
The CCOO union warned that violence against workers is « unfortunately, an occupational hazard » that airlines must assess to implement preventive measures. It also pointed out that, both through collective bargaining and union action, measures must begin to be adopted in line with Convention 190 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which recognises the right to work environments free from violence. The union added that companies must guarantee support, counselling and compensation for victims.
Finally, the statement advocates for the “effective, not merely formal,” implementation of a conflict management protocol, with a procedure for each position to follow when faced with aggressive behaviour. In their view, this type of measure can help reduce tensions, improve communication, foster a healthier work environment and enhance service quality.
The Express has contacted Ryanair for comment.
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