Air Rage: 375 Passengers Banned in Five Years
India’s skies witnessed a surge in unruly passenger behaviour over the past five years, with a staggering 375 individuals facing flying bans. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data reveals a concerning trend.
The year 2023 recorded the highest number of bans, with 110 passengers grounded for disruptive conduct. In contrast, 2020 saw the lowest number of bans, a mere 10, likely influenced by pandemic-related travel restrictions.
The severity of the misconduct varied widely, ranging from verbal abuse, attracting bans up to three months, to life-threatening actions resulting in minimum two-year bans.
This escalating trend underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of passenger behaviour guidelines and improved passenger awareness campaigns. The safety and comfort of all air travellers are paramount, and stronger deterrents are essential to curb this growing problem. The implications for India’s burgeoning aviation sector are significant, impacting both passenger confidence and the industry’s reputation.
