India’s aviation regulator is proposing to give airlines sharper, faster enforcement powers against disruptive flyers, signalling a formal shift toward a “Zero Tolerance” regime.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\nWhile the graded ban framework remains largely unchanged, the real shift lies in the speed of action and operational autonomy.
What changes<\/strong><\/p>\nUnder 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This effectively decentralises enforcement in straightforward cases.<\/p>\n
Acts that can trigger an immediate ban<\/strong><\/p>\nThe draft specifies that direct 30-day bans may be imposed in cases such as:<\/em>
\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- Smoking onboard<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Consumption of alcohol on a domestic flight (other than alcohol served by cabin crew)<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Misuse of emergency exits<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Unauthorised use of life-saving equipment, including life jackets<\/li>\n
\n<\/ul>\n
\nThese are treated as safety-sensitive violations where immediate deterrence is considered necessary.<\/p>\n
Graded ban system continues<\/strong><\/p>\nThe broader categorisation of unruly behaviour remains intact:<\/em>
\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- Level 1<\/strong> \u2013 Verbal harassment, unruly gestures, unruly inebriation (up to 3 months ban)<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Level 2<\/strong> \u2013 Physical abuse, including pushing, kicking, grabbing or sexual harassment (up to 6 months ban)<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Level 3 <\/strong>\u2013 Life-threatening behaviour, including damage to aircraft systems or violent assault (minimum 2 years)<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Level 4<\/strong> \u2013 Attempted or actual breach of cockpit (minimum 2 years or more, without prescribed upper limit)<\/li>\n
\n<\/ul>\n
\nWhile 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.<\/p>\n
Independent Committee still required for longer bans<\/strong><\/p>\nFor bans beyond 30 days, airlines must continue to refer cases to an Independent Committee comprising:
\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- A retired judge as chairperson<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- A representative from another airline<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- A consumer representative<\/li>\n
\n<\/ul>\n
\nThe committee determines the final duration of the ban based on the severity of the offence.<\/p>\n
Formal adoption of ‘zero tolerance’<\/strong><\/p>\nThe draft explicitly adopts a “No\/Zero Tolerance Policy” aimed at ensuring safety of aircraft, passengers, crew and property, and maintaining discipline onboard.<\/p>\n
The regulator has also proposed that airlines must:<\/strong>
\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- Formulate and implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling unruly passengers<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Establish structured reporting mechanisms to DGCA<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Circulate procedures among all stakeholders<\/li>\n
\n<\/ul>\n
\nIndia 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.<\/p>\n
Stakeholder comments on the draft have been invited till March 16.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
(Edited by : Priyanka Rathi)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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