# Frustrated couple allegedly assaults staff for not letting them board Cancún flight

## By Stepheny Price


Published March 4, 2025 5:30pm EST

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 had their destination detoured to jail instead of paradise after they allegedly assaulted airport employees who denied them boarding access after they arrived late for their  to Cancún.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed to WSVN that Rafael Seirafe-Novaes, 40, and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia, 29, were arrested for the alleged March 2 assault.

Shocking video captured the entire altercation that unfolded when the couple were denied boarding around 8:35 a.m. at Miami International Airport when they arrived late for their  to Cancún and attempted to force their way onto the flight.

Both suspects ignored no trespassing signs and verbal commands from a ticket agent before busting through staff onto the restricted jet bridge, authorities said.



Prior to boarding American Airlines Flight 2494 from Miami (MIA) to Cancún (CUN), law enforcement responded to the gate for two disruptive customers, according to a statement from American Airlines.

Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines, and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation.





A Florida couple attempted to force their way onto a flight to Cancún, Mexico, and were arrested for allegedly assaulting airport staff.

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A Miami-Dade County police vehicle is photographed.

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It was not known if the couple would be banned from future American Airlines flights.

 , committing acts of intentional violence in an international airport is a federal crime and those found guilty can face up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

_Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com_
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