The UK government is developing a proposal that would allow airlines to share information on unruly passengers, potentially leading to a national ban list. Under the plan, passengers who cause disruptions on flights could be banned from flying with any airline operating in the country.
How the Scheme Would Work
The Department for Transport and the Home Office are working on a system where airlines would be required to notify the government about disruptive passengers. This information would then be shared with other airlines, who could decide to refuse boarding to those individuals. The proposal is still in its early stages, but officials are scheduled to meet with airlines later this month to discuss the details.
Public Support for the Database
A YouGov survey of 5,173 British adults conducted in April found that three out of four people support the creation of a government database of disruptive airline passengers. Currently, passengers banned by one airline can still fly with another due to a lack of information sharing, partly because of data protection rules.
A government source stated: "Everyone should be able to enjoy a pint at the airport, but antisocial behaviour on flights is totally unacceptable. It threatens the safety of passengers and crew, and disrupts hard-earned holidays. There are already tough laws in place to deal with offences committed on flights, but we are exploring with industry how we can better address this issue, ensuring we crack down on people who persistently cause chaos. Everyone should be able to fly without fuss."
Industry and Consumer Reactions
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, welcomed the proposal: "UK airlines have a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour. Additional measures for the most serious cases of disruption, including the creation of a national ban list, are an important next step in ensuring a tiny minority of passengers cannot disrupt air travel for the majority. We welcome the government's support for further action and will work closely with ministers on delivering the right solutions."
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, noted that a minority of air travellers are increasingly taking airport drinking "too far," causing havoc for other passengers. He said: "When the stakes are so high and the risk to safety so great, it's only right that the penalty for being drunk and disorderly on a flight matches the seriousness of the situation. It's welcome then that the government is proposing travel bans for the worst offenders."
Current Penalties and Industry Calls
Being drunk on a plane is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years' imprisonment. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary recently called for a ban on serving alcohol at airports before early morning flights, citing an increase in disruptive incidents. He stated that Ryanair now diverts nearly one flight per day due to bad behaviour, up from one per week a decade ago.
