Man Punches Airport Official For Overweight Baggage
A video circulating on Twitter on 7 May 2024 shows a man physically punching and knocking down 2 staff at Velana International Airport. Local newspapers have covered the story thereafter and reports that overweight baggage caused the incident in which the passenger became furious and assaulted staff members. The Maldives Police Service arrested the man and an investigation was begun. Media sources claimed the man was an American citizen, appears to be of South Asian origin.
The incident occurred in presence of several tourists and staff. Video on Twitter clearly shows the man punching 2 people, one of them seems to be a staff from Etihad Airways. There was an argument and the furious man punches one by one until another man pulled him away. Tourists were puzzled as this could be the last thing to cross your mind when you are in the world’s most beautiful destination that is also known for tranquility and peace. Obviously, this is an isolated incident that had never happened in decades. But what caused the heated argument? It would be hard to image an overweight baggage could lead to something that is so serious to happen inside an airport terminal. More explanation is certainly needed to fully believe and conclude something of this magnitude could be triggered due to something so simple and minor.
Also, the man did not get away with it. He was quickly apprehended by the police and taken to custody. He missed his international flight and had to face justice. Paying for extra weight might have been the best option or keep the weight within the entitlement. Still, it is hard to believe extra weight could lead to physical confrontation resulting in a police investigation on top of the missing flight. Local media sources have recently reported that he made a plea-bargain with the Prosecutor General under which he had to pay relatively small fine and totally avoid jail time. It is unknown if he would be deported from Maldives upon paying the fines. User comments on one of the major news sites indicate the public find the small fine unsatisfactory. Some of the readers had highlighted the fact the fines would be paid to government and victims he assaulted get nothing for their suffering. It is unlikely that ordinary citizens would file claims in court as legal processes usually involve high legal frees for lawyers.
Commonly known as Male’ Airport is the main airport in the country. In 2023 it served more than 1.2 million passengers and there is already an expansion project on going which is expected to partially open for service in winter this year. Officially known as Velana International Airport, currently is is overcrowded due to overcapacity problems. However, it is usually less congested in Summer period. Maldives is visited throughout the year and Winter is the peak season in which many Europeans escape to the island nation to escape freezing temperature and catch some sunshine instead. Despite being congested there are some local travel agents who offer premium packages under which tourists are welcomed at the aircraft as soon as they exit and gets escorted to a lounge while regular tourists proceed to the arrival terminal to queue up for immigration services. VIP guests in lounge receive immigration service as they enjoy entitled food and drinks, their baggage are also presented to the lounge for convenience. VIP airport service is not for average guest, it costs about $600 per couple for arrival but the convenience is worth paying for people who can afford. Luxury resorts and private islands that cost more than $2000 in Summer and $4000 per night in Winter may find this premium service perfect as it allows avoid the crowd and terminals all together.