Going Tough on Troublemakers!

Unruly passengers onboard airplanes have become a growing concern for Indian airlines in recent months. The frequency of such incidents has seen a significant spike, posing a challenge for airlines in handling these disruptive behaviours. In 2022 alone, the police arrested six people in connection with unruly passenger incidents, while within just three months of this year, eight incidents have already been reported.

One recent incident involved a drunken Swedish national who allegedly molested a flight crew member on a Bangkok-Mumbai flight. On another occasion, a drunk male passenger vomited in the aisle and defecated around the toilet on the flight. Other incidents include cases of intoxicated passengers misbehaving with the crew, smoking in lavatories, and attempting to open emergency doors. These incidents highlight the range of disruptive behaviours that airlines are grappling with. In response to a specific incident where a passenger urinated on a 70-year-old woman co-passenger, Air India banned the perpetrator from flying for four months and took disciplinary action against four cabin crew members and a pilot who failed to address the woman’s complaint.

To address this growing issue, a 72-year-old woman affected by such behaviour approached the Supreme Court, seeking mandatory Standard Operating Procedures and zero tolerance rules for dealing with unruly passengers. The aim is to have a clear zero-tolerance policy in place that mandates reporting to the Directorate General of Civil (DGCA) Aviation and law enforcement, with consequences for non-compliance by airlines.

Finally, in a bid to enhance aircraft safety, the DGCA, India’s aviation regulator, issued an advisory on April 10, urging airlines in the country to take strict action against unruly passengers. The DGCA emphasised the importance of existing provisions in dealing with such passengers and their potential to compromise flight safety.

The DGCA reminded airlines about the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), which outlines the actions to be taken against unruly passengers. It also defines the responsibilities of pilots, cabin crew members, and the director of inflight services. The advisory called upon the heads of operations of all airlines to sensitise their staff through appropriate means, including training programmes, to effectively handle unruly passengers. The goal is to maintain order, discipline, and the safety of aircraft operations.

Furthermore, the DGCA highlighted several incidents such as smoking, consumption of alcohol leading to unruly behaviour, altercations between passengers, and cases of inappropriate touching or sexual harassment. The regulator expressed concern that in some instances, post holders, pilots, and cabin crew members failed to take appropriate action.

To address this, the DGCA reminded pilots and cabin crew members of the key points outlined in the exhaustive Civil Aviation Rules. These guidelines specifically address how to handle unruly passengers and any behaviour that could endanger flight safety. Additionally, passengers were informed that certain actions, such as consuming alcohol or drugs, smoking, disobeying the pilot’s instructions, or making physical threats, could lead to their arrest upon arrival.

The DGCA also stated that the responsibility of airlines and their employees when dealing with disruptive passengers is clearly defined under the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and DGCA regulations. The regulator categorised offenses into three levels, with the severity of the repercussions increasing for each level. Level 1 offenses involve unruly gestures, verbal harassment, and drunkenness, resulting in a ban of up to three months. Level 2 offenses, including physical abuse and inappropriate touching, may lead to a ban of up to six months. Level 3 offenses, such as life-threatening behaviour and assaults, can result in a minimum ban of two years, which may be extended indefinitely.

The duration of the ban imposed on an unruly passenger depends on the level of their misconduct and is determined by an internal committee established by the concerned airline. These committees, responsible for investigating such incidents, recommend whether an unruly passenger should be included in the no-fly list.

By implementing these measures and guidelines, the DGCA aims to strengthen safety protocols and ensure a safe and comfortable flying experience for all passengers. It is imperative for airlines to enforce these regulations effectively and swiftly, emphasising zero tolerance for unruly behaviour onboard flights.

Unruly passenger incidents pose serious safety concerns and disrupt the travel experience for fellow passengers and airline crew. It is crucial for airlines, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in implementing effective measures to deter and handle such behaviour, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone onboard.