Couple Arrested at Miami International Airport After Forcing Way Onto Plane and Attacking Staff

Miami, FL – Chaos erupted at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Sunday when a couple, running late for their flight to Mexico, tried to force their way onto the plane and ended up attacking airport staff, authorities said.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), the passengers, identified as Rafael Seirafe-Novaes and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia, got into an altercation with airport employees after being denied boarding due to their tardiness. The situation escalated when one of them allegedly threw coffee into an employee’s face.

Police Intervention and Arrests

Video footage from the scene shows multiple police units surrounding American Airlines Flight 2494 just minutes before takeoff. At least six MDSO deputies responded to the incident, leading to the couple’s arrest.
• Seirafe-Novaes was charged with resisting an officer without violence and trespassing.
• Maia faced more serious charges, including two counts of battery and trespassing.

A spokesperson for MIA confirmed that the assaulted employee was from American Airlines. However, the airline has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the altercation. It remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed or if the couple will face further legal consequences for their actions.

This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of following airport regulations and the potential legal repercussions of disruptive behavior at airports.