UK traveler charged after disruptive incident at Singapore Changi Airport

A similar incident took place this week involving a US national who punched a United Airlines gate agent in the face. The 54-year-old passenger was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct.

On March 13, 2025, Maryland resident Christopher Stuart Crittenden attempted to walk onto the jet bridge at Gate D12 at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) while arriving passengers were deplaning. According to video footage obtained by WUSA, Crittenden engaged in a15-minute confrontation with gate agents before striking one of them.

In response to this violent incident, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has called for increased protection for airline customer representatives. , Brian Bryant said: “Our members deserve a workplace where they can focus on providing excellent customer service—not one where they fear being attacked by passengers.”

Unruly passenger behavior has been rising since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. , According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 2,102 reports of dangerous behavior onboard aircraft in2024 compared to2,076 reports in2023.As of March9 ,2025,the FAA had received276 reports regarding unruly passengers.

The FAA defines an unruly passenger as someone who disrupts flights through violent or threatening behavior.Strict consequences remain in place for such individuals , including potential felony convictions referred to the FBI when warranted.Additionally,the civil aviation regulator can propose fines up to$37 ,000 per violation .