LAS VEGAS – UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov was escorted off a Frontier Airlines flight after refusing to change from an exit-row seat. The incident occurred during his travel from Las Vegas to San Francisco, where airline staff questioned his ability to assist in an emergency due to concerns about his English proficiency. Despite insisting, “I know the language, I know how to help,” Khabib was asked to leave the plane in line with FAA requirements.
Khabib later shared that he had chosen the flight specifically to reach his favorite Pakistani restaurant, Chutney in San Francisco, before it closed that evening. He explained that the timing of the Frontier flight was the only one that allowed him to make it on time.
After being removed, Khabib managed to catch a later flight with another airline and eventually arrived in San Francisco without further incident. Frontier Airlines refunded him and his companions, stating that the decision to remove him was based solely on non-compliance with safety protocols and not related to ethnicity.
Supporters and civil rights advocates raised concerns over possible bias, while Khabib maintained that he stayed calm and respectful throughout the ordeal and urged airlines to treat customers with greater courtesy.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.