A traveller aboard a Delta Air Lines flight has claimed that he was brutally attacked by fellow passengers upon landing at Newark Airport. Usman Bilawal alleges that he was kicked, punched, and beaten with a metal stanchion following a dispute that originated in the onboard lavatory. The incident left him with a concussion and a severely torn lower lip that required 25 stitches to close, as detailed in a federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent.
The 31-year-old New Jersey resident was first assaulted at the arrivals gate, then again at the airport’s food court, where he was also robbed of his cell phone. More than two years later, Bilawal continues to suffer from the effects of the traumatic ordeal, experiencing fear and anxiety related to having people sit or stand behind him, impacting his work as an Uber driver.
In response to the incident, Bilawal is suing Delta Air Lines for negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. He is also suing the three alleged attackers for assault and battery. Delta, however, denies any wrongdoing and places partial blame on Bilawal for the altercation.
The altercation reportedly began on a flight from Atlanta to Newark in September 2022. It started when a passenger attempted to visit the lavatory as the plane approached the gate. After a confrontation with a flight attendant, the situation escalated as the passenger became aggressive, prompting other passengers to intervene. Bilawal, initially unaware of the dispute, was later targeted by the irate passenger and his companion, leading to threats and verbal abuse directed at Bilawal.
Following a series of events, including a lack of police presence upon landing and the failure of airline staff to ensure his safety, Bilawal was allegedly attacked by the three passengers outside the aircraft, resulting in physical injuries and psychological trauma. While two of the attackers were captured by airport police, the third individual remains unidentified.
The injuries sustained by Bilawal forced him out of work for two months, and he continues to undergo treatment for the emotional distress caused by the assault. Delta Airlines maintains that any harm Bilawal suffered was not a direct result of their actions or negligence, and they may seek reimbursement from him for legal fees due to the perceived frivolous nature of the lawsuit.
The case highlights the importance of passenger safety and the need for airlines to address conflicts and ensure the well-being of all passengers both onboard and upon arrival at their destinations.