The airline condemns the incident and vows support for affected crew members
In another distressing incident of unruly passenger behaviour aboard an aircraft, a male passenger onboard an Air India flight from Goa to Delhi physically assaulted a crew member on Monday. The incident took place on flight AI882, raising concerns about the safety and security of crew members and passengers.
According to Air India, the unruly passenger first verbally abused the crew members and then proceeded to physically assault one of them during the flight. The crew members immediately reported the incident, and upon landing at the Delhi airport, the passenger was handed over to security personnel. Air India has also reported the incident to the aviation regulator for further investigation.
“The safety of our crew and passengers is of utmost importance to us, and we strongly condemn this unruly behaviour of the passenger,” stated an Air India spokesperson. “We will offer all support necessary to the affected crew members who endured this unfortunate incident.”
This recent incident adds to a growing number of similar cases of disruptive passenger behaviour witnessed in recent months. Airlines across the globe have been grappling with incidents of unruly conduct, causing significant disruptions during flights.
Earlier this month, Air India imposed a two-year flying ban on an individual who physically harmed two female cabin crew members onboard a Delhi-London flight. Such measures are taken in accordance with the regulations of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which categorizes unruly passenger behaviour into three levels.
Under DGCA rules, Level 1 includes unruly behaviour such as physical gestures, verbal harassment, and unruly inebriation. Level 2 comprises physically abusive conduct like pushing, kicking, or sexual harassment. Level 3, considered the most severe, encompasses life-threatening behaviour such as damaging aircraft operating systems, physical violence like choking, or even murderous assault.
Depending on the level of unruly behaviour exhibited, an internal committee established by the concerned airline determines the duration for which an unruly passenger can be banned from flying.
It is crucial for both airlines and regulatory bodies to work together to address this escalating issue. The safety and well-being of passengers and crew members must be safeguarded, and swift action should be taken against those who violate established guidelines.
Air India and other airlines continue to enhance their training programs to equip their crew members with the necessary skills to handle such incidents effectively. Strict adherence to aviation rules and regulations is vital to maintain a secure and pleasant flying experience for all passengers.
As the aviation industry navigates these challenges, efforts should be directed towards promoting awareness among passengers regarding the consequences of unruly behaviour. Collaboration among airlines, regulatory authorities, and the public can contribute to creating a safer and more enjoyable travel environment for everyone involved.
