Airlines may impose flying ban on disruptive passengers

Airline operators may soon be empowered to directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days on unruly or disruptive passengers without referring the matter to the competent authority.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) provisions governing the handling of unruly or disruptive passengers on board aircraft.

Flying ban for 30 days

Under the proposed revision, airlines would be authorised to impose a flying ban not exceeding 30 days on passengers found guilty of disruptive behaviour during a flight. Such action would not require prior referral to the existing independent committee mechanism.

The DGCA said the definition of disruptive acts included smoking on board, consumption of alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorised use of life-saving equipment such as life jackets, engaging in protests or sloganeering, and unruly conduct arising from intoxication.

Additionally, screaming, causing annoyance to fellow passengers, and kicking or banging seat backs or tray tables have also been categorised as disruptive behaviour.

Airlines would be required to maintain a database of such passengers and inform the DGCA about any flying ban imposed. However, passengers banned under this provision would not be included in the regulator’s official “No Fly List”.

The aviation regulator has invited comments from stakeholders on the proposed amendments issued under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

Under the existing framework, unruly behaviour on board is classified as a punishable offence. Currently, airlines must refer cases of disruptive conduct to an independent committee headed by a retired District and Sessions Judge. The committee is required to examine the matter and give its decision within 45 days before a flying ban can be enforced.

The proposed revision seeks to streamline the process, enabling airlines to act swiftly in the interest of passenger safety. Although incidents of unruly behaviour represent only a small fraction of total air travel, the DGCA has emphasised that even a single disruptive passenger can jeopardise safety on board and adversely affect flight operations.

Airlines presently follow a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling such incidents and reporting them to the regulator.