Mid-Air Nightmares Prompt Crackdown: 447 Passengers Placed On ‘No Fly List’ In 9 Years As Unruly Behaviour Escalates

In a recent airline incident, a passenger on a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi showed alarming behavior that prompted a mid-air scare. The unruly individual broke the emergency exit window and attempted to force open the door while the plane was in flight. This act caused panic among the 100 passengers onboard. The situation was brought under control with the help of the cabin crew and the quick actions of other passengers who restrained the disruptive individual using zip ties.

The aircraft landed safely at Cochin International Airport, where authorities arrested the suspect and handed him over to local police. The suspect faces charges under the Aircraft Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for endangering aircraft safety and criminal intimidation, respectively.

Since 2017, when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) implemented strict regulations to manage unruly passengers, 447 individuals have been placed on India's No Fly List. These incidents encompass a range of behaviors, from breaking aircraft windows to misbehaviour with staff and fellow passengers, which jeopardize the safety of passengers and aircraft. The Civil Aviation Requirements Section-3 of Air Transport mandates the maintenance of good order, discipline, and safety onboard.

Airline misconduct is categorized into three severity levels, each with distinct consequences. Level-1 misconduct includes verbal harassment, disruptive behavior, or refusal to follow crew instructions, leading to a potential three-month ban. Level-2 misconduct involves physical abuse, inappropriate touching, or damage to aircraft property or windows, resulting in a six-month ban.

The most severe level-3 misconduct—such as attempting to open exit doors or physically assaulting crew or passengers—can lead to a ban from three years to a lifetime. Airlines must follow a standardized process before adding a passenger to the No Fly List. This process includes an internal investigation by the airline, submission to the DGCA, and potential appeal by the banned individual through an appellate committee headed by a retired High Court judge.