
A British Airways flight from London to Austin faced an unexpected delay as two passengers clashed over a MAGA hat, leading to their removal from the aircraft.
At a Glance
- Two women, aged 40 and 60, were removed from a British Airways flight at Heathrow Airport
- The altercation began when one woman took offense at another’s MAGA hat
- The incident delayed the flight by approximately two hours
- No arrests were made, but both women filed claims of affray against each other
- Police are investigating the incident
Incident at Heathrow Airport
On October 28, 2024, tensions ran high at London’s Heathrow Airport as a British Airways flight bound for Austin, Texas, faced an unexpected delay. The cause? An altercation between two female passengers over a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat. The incident, which occurred in Terminal 5, quickly escalated from a verbal disagreement to a physical confrontation, resulting in both women being removed from the aircraft.
According to reports, the dispute began when one woman, aged 60, took offense at the MAGA hat worn by another passenger, aged 40. The situation rapidly deteriorated, with both women allegedly exchanging punches in the premium economy cabin. The captain, recognizing the severity of the situation, called for assistance, leading to the intervention of airport police.
Flight Delay and Passenger Removal
The incident caused significant disruption to the travel plans of other passengers. Flight BA191, originally scheduled to depart at 12:10 PM, was delayed by approximately two hours. The aircraft finally took off at 2:11 PM, but without the two women involved in the altercation.
British Airways, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to other travelers, issued an apology for the delay. The airline stated that they worked diligently to ensure passengers could continue their journey as quickly as possible under the circumstances.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Investigation
While no arrests were made following the incident, both women involved in the altercation filed claims of affray against each other. This mutual accusation has triggered a police investigation into the matter.
The incident has raised questions about the display of political symbols in public spaces, particularly in international settings. A source at Heathrow Airport noted the heightened tensions surrounding political emblems, especially given the proximity to the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The source also remarked on the unusual nature of a flight delay caused by a disagreement over a passenger’s choice of headwear.
Airline Response and Passenger Impact
In response to the incident, British Airways issued a statement addressing the delay and its impact on passengers. The airline emphasized its commitment to ensuring customer safety and comfort while minimizing disruptions to travel plans.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for political symbols to spark confrontations, even in unexpected settings like international flights. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what, if any, further actions will be taken against the individuals involved in this disruptive incident at Heathrow Airport.