On May 15, two sisters from New Jersey were involved in a disturbing incident at Orlando International Airport. Kiera Lyons, 22, and her older sister Maura Flores, 31, were allegedly involved in an assault against a Frontier Airlines gate agent after being ejected from their flight. This unruly behavior was recorded in recently released bodycam footage.
Incident Details
The sisters were removed from the Garden State-bound flight due to intoxication and disruptive behavior. According to reports, multiple complaints were made regarding their actions on board.
Alleged Assault
As they exited the plane, the Frontier Airlines employee detailed the abuse she faced. She stated that Kiera pushed her first, followed by Maura. The airline worker was left sitting on the floor of the airbridge after the incident. The employee claimed that Kiera verbally assaulted her, allegedly stating, “F–k you, you fat bitch.”
Response from Law Enforcement
Orlando police were called to the scene. The gate agent insisted on calling her supervisor and reported the sisters’ aggressive behavior. Bodycam footage captures the escalating confrontation, revealing the sisters’ claims of feeling unwell and anxiety, and indicating their alcohol consumption prior to the flight.
Sisters’ Background
- Kiera Lyons is a former field hockey player and currently works as a gym trainer in New Jersey.
- Maura Flores is a mother of two from Manahawkin, New Jersey.
Legal Consequences
Both sisters now face serious charges, including first-degree battery and second-degree disorderly conduct, due to the incident with the airline employee. Reportedly, the worker sustained minor injuries from the altercation.
Pre-Trial Intervention Program
As part of the legal proceedings, Kiera and Maura were referred to a pre-trial intervention (PTI) program on September 17. This program is designed for nonviolent offenders and aims to educate and rehabilitate participants. Successful completion of the PTI will likely result in the dismissal of all charges against them.
Conclusion
The incident has raised concerns about behavior on flights, particularly relating to intoxication. As travel resumes to pre-pandemic norms, maintaining decorum on airlines remains a crucial issue for passengers and airline staff alike.
