Incident at Santiago Airport: Passenger with a Hammer Causes Panic

By Ivan PetrenkoAug 30, 2024 03:35 AMNews
Share:
Blurry silhouettes of people in a busy public space
Increased vigilance urged after airport security breach. Source: unsplash

A recent situation at Santiago International Airport in Chile has drawn significant public attention and sparked a wave of discussion on social media. A man who arrived at the airport to check in for his scheduled flight showed violent behavior, leading to panic among both passengers and staff. According to various reports, his actions were prompted by the realization that he had unknowingly purchased a counterfeit airline ticket.

Eyewitnesses indicated that the individual, carrying a hammer, began to vandalize equipment at the airline's registration counter, resulting in damage to multiple computers and monitors. This behavior led to chaos, causing people in the terminal to hastily evacuate, fearing for their safety. Airport security and airline personnel quickly intervened to contain the situation and prevent any further destruction.

Reasons Behind the Incident and Its Impact

According to local authorities, the man, who intended to travel first to Florida and then proceed to Haiti, was apprehended at the scene. Further investigation revealed that the flight ticket he had bought was never officially booked, leading to his outburst. The estimated damage from the incident amounts to approximately 20 million Chilean pesos (around £17,000), which includes the destruction of multiple computers and display screens.

Airline’s Reaction and Advice to Travelers

The airline involved extended its appreciation to its employees for their quick response and professionalism during the incident and issued an apology to passengers for the disruption. Company representatives stressed the critical need for verifying ticket authenticity and urged all travelers to be cautious when buying airline tickets from third-party vendors.

This incident highlights the vital importance of strict security measures in international airports. The event serves as a reminder of the need for heightened alertness from both passengers and airport personnel. Being prepared and capable of rapid response can play a crucial role in minimizing risks and preventing similar occurrences in the future.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
easyJet aircraft on the apron at Birmingham Airport

Evening Bag Drop Option Added for Early easyJet Flights at Birmingham

Jan 3, 2026 00:33 AM
Passengers waiting in airport seating area during flight delays

Several Royal Brunei flights delayed on 2 January

Jan 2, 2026 23:30 PM

Sleeping on Another Planet: Inside Utah’s Story-Driven Desert Retreat

Jan 2, 2026 03:32 AM

African-Inspired Menus Added to Brussels Airlines Long-Haul Flights in 2026

Jan 2, 2026 02:15 AM
Passengers waiting in a crowded airport terminal

Year-End Flight Delays Disrupt European Travel as Hubs Struggle on 31 December

Jan 2, 2026 01:24 AM
Emirates aircraft operating scheduled January flights

Emirates Urges Early Airport Arrival Ahead of January Travel Surge

Dec 31, 2025 23:36 PM
unsplash

Lapland Airports Prepare for Gradual Rollout of EU Entry/Exit System

Dec 31, 2025 23:16 PM
Passenger aircraft taxiing in cold weather at a regional airport

Weather Warnings Trigger Free Flight Changes Across UK and Ireland

Dec 31, 2025 22:17 PM
Snow-covered street with parked cars and limited visibility during heavy snowfall

Holiday Journeys Complicated by Severe Snow in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship

Dec 31, 2025 21:37 PM

Europe’s Rail Network Adds Five New Routes in 2026

Dec 31, 2025 21:07 PM

Great British Rail Sale Returns with Millions of Discounted Fares in Early 2026

Dec 31, 2025 20:38 PM
Ryanair aircraft operating a European route

Ryanair Lists Five Cities Seeing Strong Demand for Travel in 2026

Dec 31, 2025 20:05 PM
Electronic cigarette with built-in battery

Asiana Airlines to Dispose of Fire-Risk Items Found During Travel from 2026

Dec 31, 2025 09:36 AM
China Eastern aircraft departing from an airport

China Eastern to Close Fuzhou Ticket Office as Sales Shift Online

Dec 31, 2025 08:12 AM
Resort pool set within tropical landscape

The Farm at San Benito Joins Autograph Collection as Brand Enters the Philippines

Dec 31, 2025 05:36 AM

China Eastern Expands Free Inflight Wi-Fi Across Domestic Widebody Fleet

Dec 31, 2025 03:09 AM

Air India Connects the Baltics with Its European Network via airBaltic

Dec 31, 2025 00:35 AM
Eurostar train affected by Channel Tunnel disruption

New Year Travel Disruption Spreads Across UK and Europe

Dec 30, 2025 22:45 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft at a regional airport.

Ryanair Tops One Million Passengers at Münster/Osnabrück Airport

Dec 30, 2025 08:37 AM
Hawaiian Airlines aircraft in flight.

Hawaiian Airlines Passengers See TSA PreCheck Disappear During Peak Holiday Travel

Dec 30, 2025 06:36 AM
Sale tags symbolising discounted air fares and limited-time offers.

Loganair Launches Winter Fare Sale for Early 2026 UK Travel

Dec 30, 2025 04:37 AM
Dog sitting inside a parked car at an airport parking area.

Stockholm Arlanda Opens Free Parking for Dogs on New Year’s Eve

Dec 30, 2025 03:17 AM

Hyatt Opens First Branded Hotel in Nha Trang on Vietnam’s South-Central Coast

Dec 30, 2025 01:30 AM

Ryanair Tenerife Flight Turns Back After Turbulence Injures Passengers

Dec 29, 2025 23:55 PM
Lava and ash erupting from Mount Etna at night.

Mount Etna Eruption Raises Aviation Alert Without Halting Flights

Dec 29, 2025 03:10 AM
Interior of a luxury train suite in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s First Luxury Train Sets Course for 2026

Dec 29, 2025 01:08 AM