Marcial Martinez arrested after mid-flight brawl on Southwest Airlines Miami-Denver flight

A heated argument between a passenger and his wife aboard a Southwest Airlines flight erupted into a physical confrontation when the man allegedly attacked a fellow traveller who stepped in to separate them.

Marcial Martinez, 32, boarded the aircraft on Friday before launching into a confrontation with his wife that quickly drew the attention of passengers and crew.

As the dispute intensified inside the cabin, an off-duty officer from the US Department of Energy who was travelling as a passenger and dressed in plain clothes, moved between the pair in an attempt to calm the situation.

Footage later recorded by another passenger shows the officer positioning himself between Martinez and the woman as the argument continued.

Cabin crew soon instructed Martinez to leave the aircraft as the disturbance grew.

The passenger initially appeared to comply, turning away and walking toward the front of the plane. But when he noticed his wife was not following him, witnesses said he began shouting at her repeatedly.

The officer remained between the two as he attempted to guide Martinez off the aircraft.

Moments later, the confrontation escalated when Martinez shoved the officer in the chest, forcing him backwards into the aisle.

Video from the cabin shows Martinez then lunging forward and attempting to wrap his arms around the officer’s waist in an apparent attempt to grapple with him.

Coarse language warning: This video contains explicit language

The altercation ended quickly when the officer overpowered Martinez, forcing him against the cabin divider before directing him toward the aircraft exit.

As he was escorted off the plane, Martinez could be heard shouting “f*** you guys”.

Witnesses told authorities the man had been behaving erratically from the moment he boarded the Southwest Airlines flight, which was scheduled to depart Miami International Airport for Denver, The Sun reported.

After returning to the airport terminal, Martinez was taken into custody and charged with battery and disorderly intoxication.

An arrest report identified the off-duty officer as the victim of the alleged assault.

According to the report, the officer told police Martinez appeared to have “bloodshot eyes” and smelled strongly of alcohol.

Martinez later told authorities the incident had been an argument with his wife that spiralled out of control and claimed the situation escalated after the officer intervened.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.