Foreigner arrested for assaulting airline employees

Police have arrested a foreigner this morning for assaulting staff at the Departure Terminal of the Velana International Airport (VIA) today.

Police said that the matter is being investigated further.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which runs VIA, stated that the altercation which took place between a passenger and some employees of an airline have been reported to the police.

MACL declined from providing further information as the matter is now under police investigation. Hence, it is unclear whether the passenger was travelling on a tourist visa, or work visa, or otherwise. Reasons behind the altercation itself are also unknown as of yet.

A video of the altercation is currently circulating on social media. As seen in the footage, the passenger hits one airline employee across his head, and then turns around and assaults another staff member who attempts to intervene.

Airport security staff and other people in the vicinity are seen trying subdue the passenger. Near the end of the footage, a man is seen to be walking away, taking with him the passenger in question.