UFC Fighter Arman Tsarukyan Kicked Off American Airlines Flight

Airline claims Tsarukyan and friends were standing in the aisle during takeoff, leading to their removal from the flight.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:59pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented interior of an airplane cabin, with sharp planes of navy, grey, and red intersecting to create a sense of disruption and conflict.The chaotic removal of a UFC fighter from an American Airlines flight highlights the ongoing tensions between airlines and passengers over safety regulations.Philadelphia Today

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was kicked off an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia on Thursday, where he was scheduled to compete at the upcoming RAF 08 event. The airline claims Tsarukyan and his friends were standing in the aisle while the plane was taxiing, and crew members asked them to return to their seats before ultimately deciding to return to the gate.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between airlines and passengers, especially high-profile athletes, over safety and compliance with federal regulations. It also raises questions about how airlines handle disruptive behavior on flights and the potential impact on athletes' travel and competition schedules.

The details

According to American Airlines, flight 513 returned to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after Tsarukyan and his companions refused to follow federal regulations by remaining in their assigned seats during takeoff. Crew members attempted to get the group to return to their seats before deciding to turn back to the gate.

  • The incident occurred on April 16, 2026 during the flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.
  • Tsarukyan was scheduled to co-main event at RAF 08 in Philadelphia on April 18, 2026.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

A UFC lightweight contender who was traveling from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to compete at the upcoming RAF 08 event.

American Airlines

The airline that operated the flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia and removed Tsarukyan and his companions from the aircraft.

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What they’re saying

“'On April 16, American Airlines flight 513 returned to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for customers who refused to follow federal regulations.'”

— American Airlines, Airline Officials

“'Got kicked off the flight'”

— Arman Tsarukyan

“'Rude and unprofessional'”

— Arman Tsarukyan

What’s next

Tsarukyan was able to board a private jet and make it to Philadelphia in time for his scheduled fight at RAF 08 on April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges that airlines and passengers, especially high-profile athletes, face in navigating safety regulations and maintaining order on flights. It also raises questions about how airlines handle disruptive behavior and the potential impact on athletes' travel and competition schedules.