Ryanair passenger 'head-butts and punches worker in face' over overweight baggage row

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 suddenly became violent and hit the Ryanair worker, who then required treatment from health workers.

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, suffering 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.

“Within minutes, Guardia Civil officers and Trablisa security guards stormed the terminal and apprehended the perpetrator, who was restrained and handcuffed immediately.

"Flight FR2062 was delayed until the crisis was resolved and the area affected by the altercation was cleaned up”, they reported.

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," the union said in a statement.

The union said it contacted the Spanish airport authority, AENA, to review the current situation and improve security measures at the airport.

They stressed the importance of companies being 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, describing it as "completely unacceptable".

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, both through collective bargaining and union action, measures must begin to be adopted in line with Convention 190 of the International Labour Organisation, which recognises the right to work environments free from violence.

The union added companies must guarantee support, counselling and compensation for victims.

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