Palma de Mallorca airport worker assaulted over resident discount dispute

An airline supervisor at Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan Airport was assaulted by a passenger following a dispute over resident discount documentation. The victim, who is currently on medical leave, was struck in the head, ear, and shoulder with a mobile phone after informing the passenger that they could not properly verify their eligibility for the Balearic resident fare.

The UGT Baleares union has denounced the attack, noting that this is the tenth recorded assault against airport personnel in the Balearic Islands over the past year. The union stated that the nature of these conflicts is changing, as violence is no longer limited to baggage or boarding disputes but can be triggered by any routine rule application that causes passenger frustration.

UGT has called for more effective prevention protocols and a stronger response from companies, Aena, and relevant authorities, warning that working in airports is increasingly becoming a high-risk activity.