Khabib Nurmagomedov Removed from Frontier Airlines Flight, Calls for Better Treatment by Crew

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov confirmed on Sunday that he was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight the previous day. The incident, which was partially captured on video, has sparked discussions about passenger treatment and airline policies.

In the video, Nurmagomedov is seen calmly conversing with a crew member while seated by the window. The crew member informs him that he must either change seats or be removed from the aircraft. Moments later, another crew member arrives, and Nurmagomedov is escorted off the flight.

Nurmagomedov later took to Instagram to explain the situation, stating that the dispute arose over his seating in the exit row, where passengers are required to speak and understand English under U.S. aviation rules. He expressed frustration with the crew’s behavior, particularly the tone of the initial interaction.

“First of all, I need to clarify that it was @flyfrontier not AlaskaAir. The lady who approached me was very rude from the beginning, even though I speak very decent English and agreed to assist,” Nurmagomedov wrote. “She still insisted on removing me from my seat. What was the basis for that—racial, national, or another reason—I’m not sure.”

Despite the situation, Nurmagomedov maintained composure and boarded another flight within 90 minutes.

“I did my best to stay calm and respectful, as you can see in the video. But those crew members could do better next time and just be nice to clients,” he added.

The incident has drawn attention due to Nurmagomedov’s high profile and his calm demeanor during the removal, described by some as one of the most composed flight removals caught on video.

The situation unfolded just days before UFC 311 in Inglewood, California, where Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, will challenge bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. In the night’s headliner, Khabib’s longtime teammate Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan.

This incident highlights the need for better communication and empathy from airline staff, especially when dealing with prominent or diverse passengers, as Khabib’s experience suggests room for improvement in customer interactions.