An incident at Gran Canaria Airport has drawn attention to air travel security issues. On board a Ryanair flight preparing to depart for Dublin, a female passenger became aggressive, forcing the crew to abort takeoff. It was later revealed that the offender was Irish mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete Sinead Kavanagh.
The crew called for assistance from the Civil Guard to restrain the woman. During the attempted arrest, Kavanagh resisted and used force against the officers. As a result, two law enforcement officers were injured and had to go on medical leave.
According to witnesses, the athlete, skilled in boxing, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai, acted with extreme determination. Her behavior posed a threat to other passengers and the crew, as well as disrupted the airport’s operations.
Calls for stronger security measures
The incident sparked a strong reaction from law enforcement representatives. Civil Guard officers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of specialized protective equipment, such as tasers, in airports. In their opinion, such incidents highlight the vulnerability of police when dealing with professional fighters and aggressive passengers.
Law enforcement officers are demanding that their work be officially recognized as a high-risk profession. They emphasize that they are often the only barrier between citizens and dangerous offenders, yet lack sufficient tools for their own protection.
Debate Over the Use of Tasers
The issue of introducing tasers for police and Guardia Civil officers remains contentious. Opponents point to lethal incidents in other countries, which have often drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Nevertheless, many law enforcement representatives consider such devices essential for an effective response to threats.
According to official data, in the first two months of this year, law enforcement officers used tasers 22 times, with half these cases related to mass disturbances. This has fueled debate over expanding the range of protective equipment for police, especially given the rise in incidents involving aggressive passengers.
Consequences for Those Involved in the Incident
The injured Guardia Civil officers have been temporarily suspended from duty due to health reasons. Proceedings have been initiated against Sinead Kavanagh for assaulting law enforcement and endangering transportation safety. Her future will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the court’s decision.
The incident in Gran Canaria has once again raised questions about the need to review safety standards at airports and onboard aircraft. Police and union representatives are demanding urgent action from authorities to protect staff and passengers, so that such situations do not occur again in the future.
