Legislation Against Unruly Airplane Passengers To Go Into Effect From 202

by Sanjana Shenoy
Legislation Against Unruly Airplane Passengers To Go Into Effect From 202

Unruly passengers can be a nightmare in a flight for the cabin crew and other passengers. Be it drunk passengers troubling the air hostess, passengers fighting amongst themselves, not keeping the decorum of the airlines or any other bad behaviour can really be a menace for the cabin crew. And these horror stories of unruly passengers is a sort of regular occurrence in the world of airlines. Around 22 countries are looking to crack down on troublesome fliers across the world. And now legislation against unruly passengers will go into effect from next year.

What’s In It?

A reputed news agency has reported that the new legislation has been ratified by 22 countries and it aims to make it easier to punish unruly air passengers. The legislation entitled the Montreal Protocol goes into effect early next year starting January 2020. Chris Goater, the Assistant Director of Corporate Communications for Europe at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that they wanted as many countries as possible to ratify this treaty. They even expect more to do so getting to 22 countries in 5 years doesn’t sound fast but by the standards of international treaties that are really quick. Knowing about Christ Goater’s perspective on this, you know how tiresome this situation has been for airlines, that they wish this comes into effect as soon as possible.

The Independent states that the IATA hopes the agreement will enhance the capacity of states to curb the escalation in the severity and frequency of unruly behaviour onboard aircraft. This rule will come into effect once the 22 countries will ratify the treaty, with Nigeria becoming the 22nd country in November.

Also Read: Our Crew is Human Too Vistara Chief Shuts Down Man Critiquing Air Hostess Napping in Lounge

What’s More?

At present many countries adhere to the Tokyo Convention of 1963, which states the jurisdiction over a flying aeroplane to the country in which the plane is registered. But if an offence is committed in the air and plane lands in another country, then things get complicated as the local authorities cannot take control over the situation easily.

On the one hand, countries like the US and UK have their own rules and regulations that give local authorities the charge to take over, but on the other hand things are not the same for all countries. You will be surprised to know that on an average there is an average of one incident per every 1053 flights according to the IATA’s latest data from 2017. Three out of five cases of serious in-flight disruptions actually go unpunished due to jurisdictional issues stated Alexandre de Juniac, director-general of IATA. The new legislation going into effect from next year will make it easier for airlines to charge an offender for costs caused due to his or her bad behaviour. This fine can be more than $200,000 (₹1,42,59,400) We say it’s the high time such a thing came into place, so passengers better be on their best behaviour. Did you know Etihad Airplane From Junkyard Turns Into Fancy Holiday Accommodation