In draft revised norms on handling unruly passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed allowing airlines to directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days in specified cases, without referring the matter to an Independent Committee.
While the graded ban framework remains largely unchanged, the real shift lies in the speed of action and operational autonomy.
What changes
Under existing Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), airlines can impose an interim ban for up to 45 days pending a decision by an Independent Committee. The draft retains that provision.
However, it now explicitly allows airlines to immediately impose a ban of up to 30 days where a passenger is found to have committed certain clearly defined disruptive acts, without waiting for committee review.
This effectively decentralises enforcement in straightforward cases.
Acts that can trigger an immediate ban
The draft specifies that direct 30-day bans may be imposed in cases such as:
- Smoking onboard
- Consumption of alcohol on a domestic flight (other than alcohol served by cabin crew)
- Misuse of emergency exits
- Unauthorised use of life-saving equipment, including life jackets
These are treated as safety-sensitive violations where immediate deterrence is considered necessary.
Graded ban system continues
The broader categorisation of unruly behaviour remains intact:
- Level 1 – Verbal harassment, unruly gestures, unruly inebriation (up to 3 months ban)
- Level 2 – Physical abuse, including pushing, kicking, grabbing or sexual harassment (up to 6 months ban)
- Level 3 – Life-threatening behaviour, including damage to aircraft systems or violent assault (minimum 2 years)
- Level 4 – Attempted or actual breach of cockpit (minimum 2 years or more, without prescribed upper limit)
While some initial reactions suggested a major increase in maximum penalties, the upper-end ban structure already existed. The draft primarily strengthens procedural clarity rather than extending punishment caps.
Independent Committee still required for longer bans
For bans beyond 30 days, airlines must continue to refer cases to an Independent Committee comprising:
- A retired judge as chairperson
- A representative from another airline
- A consumer representative
The committee determines the final duration of the ban based on the severity of the offence.
Formal adoption of ‘zero tolerance’
The draft explicitly adopts a “No/Zero Tolerance Policy” aimed at ensuring safety of aircraft, passengers, crew and property, and maintaining discipline onboard.
The regulator has also proposed that airlines must:
- Formulate and implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling unruly passengers
- Establish structured reporting mechanisms to DGCA
- Circulate procedures among all stakeholders
India has witnessed multiple high-profile incidents involving unruly passengers in recent years, from mid-air altercations to safety breaches. The proposal, if finalised, could make enforcement more immediate, reducing procedural lag in clear-cut safety cases.
Stakeholder comments on the draft have been invited till March 16.
(Edited by : Priyanka Rathi)
