Airlines not filing mandatory reports on unruly flyers, says DGCA
Flight safety authorities have raised concerns over delays and failures by airline operators in reporting incidents involving unruly passengers. Despite clear guidelines, several recent cases of mid-air misconduct have gone unreported or were communicated late. This lack of compliance risks both flight operations and passenger safety, prompting officials to issue fresh advisories reinforcing mandatory timelines for reporting such incidents.
Authorities stated that airline operators are either not reporting passenger misconduct or are doing so well beyond the stipulated timeline. This includes incidents of verbal abuse, physical altercations, and threats to flight safety. The guidelines require operators to report such behaviour via email within 12 hours of landing and submit detailed follow-up documentation within 24 hours. Despite repeated reminders, compliance has remained inconsistent, raising questions about airline accountability.
The latest advisory comes amid rising in-flight disruptions—from intoxicated passengers to sexual harassment and verbal clashes. These not only compromise the comfort of travellers but also pose serious risks to air safety. Experts warn that such behaviour is increasing, and immediate reporting is crucial for swift investigation and disciplinary action. Ignoring or delaying reports could prevent proper enforcement of no-fly lists and safety standards under aviation rules.
As per aviation regulations, unruly passenger behaviour is categorised into three levels: verbal abuse (Level 1), physical violence (Level 2), and life-threatening acts (Level 3). Each carries a debarment period—ranging from three months to two years or more. Airlines can impose temporary bans during investigation. Repeat offenders face double the duration of previous penalties. An internal committee within each airline must determine the ban within 30 days.
The growing disconnect between onboard incidents and actual reporting is worrying aviation observers. Experts suggest stronger internal reporting mechanisms and better crew training to manage and document misconduct. The aviation safety authority had issued guidelines as far back as 2017, yet many airlines fail to comply consistently. Calls are growing for stricter enforcement and possible penalties for airlines that fail to report misconduct, especially when passenger and crew safety is compromised.
As incidents of unruly behaviour on flights rise, timely reporting remains crucial to upholding aviation safety standards. Delays or omissions by airlines not only violate guidelines but also risk normalising disruptive behaviour. Experts stress the need for urgent systemic improvements, warning that failing to act swiftly may erode passenger confidence and compromise the safety of air travel across India’s increasingly busy skies.
