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Source-This post is based on the article “A passenger attacked a pilot. How are airlines expected to respond?” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, a passenger assaulted an IndiGo airline pilot following a prolonged delay caused by heavy fog in Delhi. This article explores the responses of airlines to such incidents of unruly passenger behavior.
How are airlines supposed to respond to incidents of unruly passenger behaviour?
The DGCA has issued guidelines known as ‘Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR)‘ to all airlines. It outlines procedures to be followed in handling varying degrees of unruly passenger behavior during and after incidents.
1) The airline should first notify passengers that unruly behavior, as per guidelines, may lead to possible arrest.
2) If the pilots and central control determine that cabin crew cannot manage the unruly passenger, they must promptly land at the nearest airport.
3) Upon landing, an airline representative will file an FIR (First Information Report) with the relevant security agency at the aerodrome, where the unruly passenger will be handed over.
4) There are different levels of unruly passenger behavior outlined in the guidelines:
| Level 1 | Unruly behaviour, including physical gestures, verbal harassment, and unruly inebriation. |
| Level 2 | Physically abusive behaviour, including pushing, kicking, hitting, and grabbing or inappropriate touching or sexual harassment. |
| Level 3 | Life-threatening behaviour, including damage to aircraft operating systems, physical violence such as choking, eye gouging, murderous assault, and attempted or actual breach of flight crew compartment. |
What penalties can unruly behaviour by a flight passenger attract?
1) The airline can ban the unruly passenger for up to 30 days immediately after the incident.
2) If the Internal Committee doesn’t reach a decision within 30 days, the passenger will be allowed to fly.
3) Airlines must keep a database of unruly passengers, sharing it with the DGCA and other airlines to maintain a No-Fly List.
4) Level 1 and 2 offenses may result in flying bans of up to three months and six months, respectively.
5) Level 3 offense incurs a minimum 2-year ban with no maximum limit.
6) Appeal- Banned individuals can appeal within 60 days to an Appellate Committee led by a retired High Court judge. An appeal against the appellate panel’s decision shall be made to a High Court.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation(Governance)
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