Gulf airlines have joined their industry peers in calling for governments to implement action to tackle the issue of unruly behaviour by passengers, part of a resolution adopted unanimously at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) meeting currently taking place in Doha.
“This resolution confirms the determination of airlines to defend the rights of their passengers and crew. Everybody on board is entitled to enjoy a journey free from abusive or other unacceptable behaviour,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
“Many airlines have trained both ground staff and cabin crew in procedures not only to manage incidents of unruly behaviour but also in measures to prevent them. But a robust solution needs alignment among airlines, airports, and governments.”
The definition of unruly behaviour includes non-compliance with crew instructions, consumption of illegal narcotics, sexual harassment, and physical or verbal confrontation or threats.
Last year, the number of incidents of unruly behaviour voluntarily reported to IATA by airlines reached some 8,000 cases. Intoxication, often resulting from alcohol already consumed before boarding, ranks high among factors linked to these incidents. Other causes include irritation with another passenger’s behaviour and anxiety due to frustration with the no-smoking ban.
The resolution follows a Diplomatic Conference called by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) at which governments agreed to modernise and strengthen the Tokyo Convention 1963, which was international treaty formally known as the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed On Board Aircraft.
The ACAO implemented Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14), which provides a more practically effective deterrent to unruly behaviour by extending the legal jurisdiction for such events to the territory in which the aircraft lands.
“Governments have recognised that unruly passenger behaviour is a serious issue and we applaud the adoption of MP14 at an ICAO Diplomatic Conference earlier this year. Now, governments must ratify what they have agreed to,” added Tyler.
The IATA resolution called on airlines and governments to raise awareness of the consequences of unruly behaviour and for airport bars and restaurants to implement procedures that could help prevent such behaviour.
“Each incident of unruly behaviour marks an unacceptable inconvenience to passengers and crew. A united and balanced approach to the prevention and management of unruly passengers by governments and industry is vital. Governments should adopt all the legal powers at their disposal to ensure unruly passengers face the appropriate consequences for their actions. Airlines, airports, and others must work together to implement the right procedures and train staff to respond effectively to such instances,” said Tyler.
Airlines in the region which are members of IATA include Air Arabia, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
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