Share

Unruly passengers a serious safety issue for airline cabin crew

Geneva – The issue of unruly passengers on planes is a significant and growing problem, according to Paul Steele, senior vice-president of member and external relations at the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

A survey among 190 Iata member airlines indicate that between 2007 and 2015 there were 49 084 reported incidents of unruly passengers. In 2015 the number of reported incidents amounted to 10 854. About 11% of reports indicated physical aggression was present, directed at crew, other passengers or damage to the aircraft.

The problem of unruly passengers is regarded as one of the top three safety issues that concern cabin crew. Most incidents  involved verbal aggression or failure to follow the crew's instructions.

The survey also showed that 40% of airlines had diverted a flight in the past 12 months due to an unruly passenger.

Drunk and unruly

About 23% of reported cases involved intoxication due to alcohol or drug abuse. In most of these cases, the substances were consumed before boarding the flight or from the passenger’s own supply the crew did not have any knowledge of.

Steele emphasised that although alcohol is an important trigger for a passenger to become unruly, the survey shows it is certainly not the only cause.

“Fortunately much can and is being done to prevent intoxication both prior to boarding an during the flight. We have set out a strategy for tackling the unruly passenger issue,” said Steele.

Iata’s strategy proposes enhancing the legal deterrent to send a strong signal to would-be unruly passengers that such behaviour will not be tolerated and could lead to criminal or other penalties.

“Our members have told us that in 60% of cases the reason unruly passengers are not prosecuted relates to lack of jurisdiction,” said Steele.

“We want to see clarity on what as a minimum constitutes an offence and to reinforce the right of airlines to seek recovery under national law of the significant costs incurred due to unruly passengers.”

So far 30 countries have indicated the intention to ratify a 2014 protocol dealing with the issue, while eight countries have already ratified it. At least 22 countries need to ratify the protocol for it to be brought into force. Iata is calling for the ratification of this protocol.

“Often, even when there is no jurisdiction issues, prosecutors do not take action against disruptive passengers because it is not seen as in the public interest, due to the cost of bringing criminal cases or due to evidentiary requirements,” explained Steele.

He said there are countries such as New Zealand where airport police or other law enforcement agencies can impose fines or other sanctions on unruly passengers. In the UK joint efforts have also led to improvements.

“This is in the same way that speeding fines are used for driving offences: You can either pay a fine and avoid a criminal record or take your case to appeal,” said Steele.

“The benefit is that the criminal prosecution system will focus on the more serious cases, offering a much greater deterrent than exists today.”

He said the aviation industry also has initiatives to ensure airports, restaurants, bars and duty free operators are doing all they can to prevent incidents.

“Our message is clear: the problem of unruly passengers is faced by airlines and their crews every day,” said Steele.

“We are looking for governments to support the industry’s efforts to ratify the protocol and ensuring that proportionate enforcement action can be taken.”

* Fin24 is the guest of Iata at its Global Media Day.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.92
+0.1%
Rand - Pound
23.88
+0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.39
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.32
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.0%
Platinum
908.05
+1.2%
Palladium
1,014.94
+1.3%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders