This is the astonishing moment an angry airport passenger attacked check-in staff at a Mexican airport after allegedly missing her flight.

In a fit of rage, the crazed traveller climbed into the restricted area behind the service desks at the Mexico City International Airport and attacked an Emirates employee on November 1.

The woman proceeded to damage electronic computer equipment and stood on one of the counters as staff called security to restrain her.

She is seen hurling objects at the floor while striking the airport staff and grabbing their uniform.

Following the incident, an airline spokesman said the lady was prevented from boarding her flight because she arrived late at the check-in counter using an expired passport.

In a statement, Emirates said: 'We can confirm that on November 1, an incident occurred at the check-in counter at Mexico City International Airport, in which a passenger who arrived late at the check-in counter was also discovered to be traveling with an expired passport.

'The client was denied the trip, and she became rebellious and physically abusive with the ground staff, so it was necessary for airport security and police to intervene. The safety of our passengers and crew is vitally important and will not be compromised.'

The woman was detained by security guards while they waited for police officers to arrive.