Official statements from Alaska Airlines on their website or verified social media accounts

Retired UFC Champion Khabib Removed from Alaska Airlines Flight Amid Racial Profiling Allegations

Jan 12, 2025, 01:31 PM

Retired UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight in the United States after a dispute with airline staff over his seat in the emergency exit row. On January 12, 2025, Nurmagomedov was flying coach and seated near the emergency exit when a flight attendant asked if he was willing and able to assist in an emergency situation, as required for passengers in those seats. Due to a possible language barrier, he hesitated or did not immediately respond, causing the crew to feel uneasy about his understanding of English. When Nurmagomedov refused to change seats as requested, he was escorted off the plane. The incident was captured on video and has gone viral, sparking allegations of racial profiling and discussions about the treatment of international passengers by airline staff.