A flight attendant with United Airlines was arrested at Tampa International Airport on March 8, 2025, following a reported altercation with a colleague from Cayman Airways. The incident has come to light recently due to the release of bodycam footage capturing the arrest. This confrontation began when the United flight attendant tapped the Cayman Airways employee on the shoulder during a shuttle bus ride, which led to charges of battery.
The events unfolded as both crew members were travelling on a shuttle bus designated for staff transportation at the airport. According to reports from View From The Wing, the situation escalated when the Cayman Airways employee engaged in a phone call that was perceived as excessively loud. The United flight attendant reportedly commented that her voice was annoying, asking her to “close [her] mouth.” This remark sparked a heated exchange, with allegations of racism being made by the Cayman Airways employee.
As tensions mounted, the United flight attendant attempted to get her attention by tapping her shoulder to request her identification. This gesture, although seemingly innocuous, was interpreted differently by the Cayman Airways employee. She claimed that his intent was to physically manipulate her badge. The interaction escalated further when, after she requested he refrain from touching her, he ceased doing so but continued to seek her identification in the terminal.
Following the altercation, the United Airlines flight attendant pursued the Cayman Airways employee into the terminal in an effort to file a complaint about the earlier incident. Local police intervened, resulting in his arrest. Under Florida law, the tap on the shoulder was considered battery, leading to the flight attendant being charged.
The incident has ignited discussions regarding the nuances of battery laws and the challenges of addressing inappropriate public behavior without crossing personal boundaries. The consequences of this altercation were significant for the United flight attendant, who was unable to fulfill his scheduled flight duties following the arrest. This disruption raised concerns about the necessity of police discretion in minor disputes, especially given the operational challenges that airlines face in such situations.
According to Cayman Marl Road, the operational impact extended beyond the immediate arrest. United Airlines had to arrange for standby crew members to cover the affected flight, showcasing the ripple effect of such incidents on airline operations. Data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, reveals stark differences in flight volume at Tampa International Airport between United Airlines and Cayman Airways. In December 2025, United Airlines is set to operate a total of 1,659 flights, while Cayman Airways has scheduled just 42 flights to and from the airport.
As the investigation continues, the airline community is paying close attention to how such incidents are handled and the broader implications for employee interactions in high-pressure environments like airports. United Airlines has been approached for further comment on the situation and its protocols regarding employee conduct. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
