The recent mid-flight brual onboard an Air India flight has pushed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue an advisory to all airlines to better action against such unruly behaviors during flight operations. According to the advisory, DGCA noted multiple incidents of smoking in aircraft, consumption of alcoholic beverages resulting in unruly behavior, altercations between passengers, and inappropriate touching or sexual harassment by passengers onboard aircraft during flight.
The advisory also listed individual and airline responsibility for handling incidents of unruly behavior, which includes training programmes to ensure the safety of aircraft. Moreover, the heads of operations of all Airlines are requested to sensitize their pilots, Cabin Crew and post holders on the handling of unruly passengers through appropriate means.
The incident in question took place on an Air India flight bound for London. During the flight, a passenger caused “physical harm” to cabin crew members, resulting in the flight’s return to Delhi airport. In a statement, Air India mentioned that the person was handed over to the security personnel upon landing, and that they were filing earlier to take legal action against the person. Additionally, the airline informed the DGCA regarding the incident.
Earlier in January, an 70-year-old woman onboard an AI flight faced distressing behavior, when another passenger, Shankar Mishra, urinated on her while in an inebriated state. Delhi Police then arrested him on January 6, and registered an FIR under sections 354, 509, and 510 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 23 of the Indian Aircraft Act.
These incidents have certainly shown the need for stricter regulations for unruly behavior on board flights. Air India is taking significant steps by filing legal action and subsequent investigations against responsible individuals. It is indeed a step in the right direction for enforcing order and showing respect towards fellow passengers and crew members.
