Man Banned from United Airlines After Allegedly Punching Gate Agent at D.C. Airport

Mar. 15, 2025

A Maryland man has been banned from flying with United Airlines after he was seen punching a gate agent in the face in a viral video, according to authorities.

Washington Dulles International Airport.Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty

In the four-second clip, a man is seen approaching the agent as other passengers disembark at the gate. The man then quickly punches the agent in the face as he collapses on the floor. Bystanders are heard gasping and expressing shock before the video abruptly ends.

“The passenger involved has been banned from future travel on United,” the airline told PEOPLE in a statement on Friday, March 14.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers demanded higher protections for airline staff following the incident.

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The union, which represents over 100,000 airline employees, noted that the staff is already under immense pressure, and should not have to “endure the constant threat of abuse and physical harm from unruly passengers.”

“Despite the rise in violent incidents over the past several years, there have been minimal legal repercussions for offending passengers,” the IAM continued, later adding, “As long as these violent incidents persist, the IAM will not stop advocating for real enforcement of laws that protect airline employees.”

source: people.com