Armenian MMA Fighter Kicked Off American Airlines Flight

Arman Tsarukyan and his coaching staff were removed from a flight to Pennsylvania due to alleged safety violations.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-perspective scene of an airplane cabin, with sharp overlapping planes representing the tense interaction between an MMA fighter and the flight crew over alleged safety violations.A tense confrontation over airline safety rules leads to the removal of an MMA fighter and his entourage from a flight, exposing the potential for disruptions when high-profile passengers fail to follow protocol.Newark Today

Armenian MMA fighter Arman Tsarukyan and several members of his coaching staff were removed from an American Airlines flight after a disagreement with the cabin crew over aviation safety rules. The incident occurred as Tsarukyan was traveling to Pennsylvania for an upcoming MMA event, RAF 08, but he was able to make it to the event on a later flight.

Why it matters

Incidents involving athletes and airlines have become more common in recent years, raising concerns about passenger behavior and airline policies. This case highlights the potential consequences when athletes or their entourages fail to follow standard safety protocols, which can lead to disruptions, delays, and even removal from flights.

The details

Reports indicate the friction began when a member of Tsarukyan's party reportedly ignored instructions to put away a mobile phone as the aircraft began its taxi. The tension spiked further when another associate lowered their tray table ahead of schedule, sparking a heated back-and-forth with the cabin crew. The captain then returned the plane to the terminal, and security personnel boarded and removed Tsarukyan and two other individuals from the flight.

  • The incident occurred on April 17, 2026 as Tsarukyan was traveling to Pennsylvania for the RAF 08 event.
  • Tsarukyan is still scheduled to compete at the Liacouras Center in Pennsylvania on April 18, 2026.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

An Armenian MMA fighter who competes in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) circuit and is waiting for his shot at the UFC lightweight title.

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline that operates flights across the country and internationally.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Arman Tsarukyan was reportedly just kicked off an American Airlines flight because he was "looking at his phone during takeoff”

— Adam Zubayraev

What’s next

Tsarukyan is still on track to compete at the Liacouras Center in Pennsylvania on April 18, 2026. He is also confirmed to attend UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey on May 9, 2026 to see the main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of athletes and their entourages following standard airline safety protocols to avoid disruptions and potential consequences. While minor violations can lead to removal from flights, it's critical that high-profile individuals set a good example and cooperate with cabin crew instructions to ensure smooth travel and avoid further scrutiny of athlete behavior.