'Recent Incidents Tarnished Image': DGCA Issues Advisory To Airlines On Tackling Of Unruly Passengers On Board

The DGCA issued an advisory to the head of operations of all scheduled airlines regarding how to deal with unruly passengers on board and their respective legal obligations.

(Representational Image)

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Following the recent revelation of two incidents of Air India passengers urinating on fellow passengers, which sparked widespread outrage, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to airlines on how to deal with unruly passengers. 

The regulator stated in the guidelines, which were addressed to the heads of operations of scheduled airlines, that restraining devices should be employed if necessary. Inaction in recent incidents has harmed the image of air travel in various areas, according to the DGCA.

"In the recent past, DGCA has noticed a few incidents of unruly behavior and inappropriate conduct by the passengers on board the aircraft during flight, wherein it is observed that post holders, pilots, and cabin crew members have failed to take appropriate actions," the statement reads.

DGCA issues an advisory to Head of Operations of all Scheduled Airlines with regard to handling unruly passengers on board and respective responsibilities as per the regulations. pic.twitter.com/b84yD3ya4u

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2023

"Non-action/ inappropriate action/ omission by the airlines towards such untoward incidents has tarnished the image of air travel in different segments of society," it further highlights.

The advisory comes a day after IndiGo chief executive officer (CEO) Pieter Elbers said that passengers should treat the crew members in the same manner in which they would like to be treated.

The DGCA issued notifications to Air India executives and the crew of the New York-Delhi flight on Thursday, asking why no action should be taken against them for "dereliction" of duty in managing the 'urination' event on November 26.

On November 26, last year, an inebriated man allegedly urinated on his female co-passenger, a senior lady in her seventies, in the business class of an Air India New York-Delhi aircraft.

According to the regulator, it appears that laws concerning the treatment of unruly passengers were not followed.

(With Inputs From Agencies)