Passenger pinned to wall during airport outburst

News.com.au

14-07-2025

An irate passenger lashed out at French airport employees in a profanity-laced outburst when her New York-bound flight never took off.
The unidentified woman's viral blow-up occurred inside Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on July 3 after her Norse Atlantic Airways flight to JFK was cancelled due to the nationwide air traffic controller strike.
'F***ing b***h, I need my medication,' the passenger screamed at a female airline worker, according to video captured by fellow passenger Erianne Freign.
The screaming woman was among a group of angry travellers who were searching for answers after they were notified their flights were cancelled because of the strike that disrupted service in and around France on July 3 and 4.
The airline staffer seemingly avoided the passenger and walked away from the check-in desk during the tirade.
The unruly customer, who Ms Freign said was travelling with her two children, continued her meltdown as airport police surrounded her.
Several airport law enforcement officials grabbed the woman and pulled her behind the counter, where she was detained.
'It was quite an intense reaction,' Ms Freign, 27, said. 'I understand why she would be upset because the airline was being so unhelpful.
Ms Freign blamed Norse Atlantic for triggering the outburst and claimed staff weren't being helpful to the annoyed passengers who learned their late flight was cancelled.
'She just wanted some accommodation for her and her two kids because they had cancelled the flight in the middle of the night.'
The woman said she was diabetic and needed her medication that was in her checked bag.
'You can tell she was in a panic but I don't think she should have used such strong language,' Ms Freign added.
'Especially because the people on the desk aren't responsible.'
Officers pinned the woman to a back wall as onlookers yelled in support for the traveller.
The agents talked with the enraged passenger, who continued to shout at the airline employee.
Police eventually calmed the mother down and allowed her to return to the other side of the check-in counter.
'Due to issues in Paris early July, including the Air Traffic Control strike in France, we experienced unfortunate and temporary irregularities,' Norse Atlantic Airways told the New York Post.
'Passengers were, and will be further followed up. We are unable to comment on specific passenger incidents out of respect for the privacy of those involved. Our team always prioritises the safety and wellbeing of our passengers.'
Ms Freign said the airline agents weren't being helpful with the situation, advising passengers they had to cancel their own ticket on the original flight before rebooking with another airline, but ticket prices were expensive.
Travellers who couldn't afford to buy an additional ticket or hotel accommodations stayed the night at the airport, including the annoyed woman.
Ms Freign rebooked her flight, saying the last-minute ticket cost her $US1,285 – $A1900.
She is now looking for a refund but is finding it difficult to speak with the airline.
'I still haven't gotten a refund from my original flight but I am emailing with them,' the 27-year-old model said.
'I've just been really disappointed with how it was handled.'