A plan is in the works to potentially prohibit unruly passengers who are drunk or disorderly from boarding flights. One proposed measure involves creating a list of such passengers to be shared among airlines. If a passenger with a history of disruptive behavior attempts to check in for a flight, airlines would receive a notification and could choose to bar them from flying permanently.
Currently, privacy regulations pose a challenge for airlines to exchange passenger information, but efforts are underway to address this issue. A potential system, still in early development stages, could involve airlines informing government officials about disruptive passengers. The government would maintain a record of these individuals and notify airlines if they attempt to book another flight.
Discussions are set to take place between officials and airlines in June to further explore these proposals, with industry insiders showing general support. A government source emphasized the need to tackle antisocial behavior on flights, highlighting the safety risks it poses to passengers and staff.
While strict penalties, including potential criminal prosecution, already exist for disruptive behavior on flights, the proposal is not expected to require new legislation. Industry collaboration with the government will determine the governance and implementation of any potential system to address disruptive passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority warns that intoxicated, rude, or aggressive passengers can create distress and safety risks on flights, potentially leading to costly diversions. Ryanair’s CEO has suggested banning alcohol sales at airports in the early morning to curb disruptive behavior, with the airline already imposing fines for unruly passengers.
Consumer advocates support measures to curb excessive drinking at airports to prevent disruptions during flights. Industry bodies like Airlines UK back the idea of a national ban list for severe cases of disruptive behavior to safeguard air travel for the majority of passengers.
