The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is demanding a civil fine of nearly $ 27,500 against a passenger accused of punching a flight attendant in the face after being asked to leave the plane.
On Friday, the agency stated that a female passenger who was on a Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Miami to Atlanta started a verbal altercation when she and her companion were asked to disembark after the male companion refused to wear a mask. Associated Press reported.
The man also refused to buckle his seat belt or close his tray, the agency said.
When the plane returned to the gate to allow the couple to depart, the news report reported, the woman reportedly began yelling at passengers and the flight attendant, eventually slapping her under her left eye.
The FAA has not identified the passengers involved in the incident, but it did state that the woman has 30 days to respond to the fine, the AP reported. According to the FAA, the woman allegedly violated federal ordinance against assaulting a crew member.
The violation could entail a civil fine of up to $ 35,000, according to the AP.
Last month, the FAA announced stricter enforcement of penalties for unruly passengers.