Regulator Proposes 30-Day Flight Ban for Unruly Passengers, Seeks Tougher Enforcement

The proposal outlines a zero-tolerance approach toward actions that threaten in-flight safety, discipline, or passenger welfare. Offences listed include smoking inside aircraft, consuming alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, and misusing safety equipment such as life jackets without authorization. Officials said the revisions aim to strengthen deterrence and ensure safer travel conditions across India’s aviation network.

Under the proposed framework, airlines would be empowered to impose an immediate flying ban of 30 days or more in clear cases of onboard disturbance. Such decisions would not require prior review by an independent panel. However, for other categories of unruly conduct, carriers must refer cases to an internal committee that includes a representative from another airline. This panel would assess evidence and determine the duration of the restriction.

The regulator has also directed all airlines to draft detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling disruptive passengers. These SOPs must be implemented internally, shared with staff, and reported to the aviation authority to ensure uniform enforcement across carriers.

At present, existing CAR rules allow airlines to bar unruly passengers for up to 45 days while awaiting a committee decision. The proposed amendments retain that provision but clarify circumstances in which immediate penalties can be imposed. Officials said the revisions are intended to remove ambiguity and speed up action against offenders.

The regulatory push follows several high-profile incidents over the years, including a 2017 case involving Ravindra Gaikwad of Shiv Sena, who was accused of assaulting a staff member of Air India. That episode prompted the creation of formal guidelines to classify and penalize unruly passenger conduct.

Officials said the updated rules are part of broader aviation safety reforms as passenger traffic continues to grow. Once finalized, the new provisions will become binding on all domestic airlines, with compliance monitored through periodic audits and incident reporting.