In the wake of an incident of a drunk passenger allegedly urinating on a passenger onboard the Tata Group-owned Air India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) asked the airlines to use “restraining devices” to control unruly passengers when all measures are exhausted.
“In the recent past, DGCA has noticed a few incidents of unruly behaviour 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,” a statement from the regulator said.
DGCA observed that non-action/ inappropriate action/ omission by the airlines towards such untoward incidents tarnished the image of air travel in different segments of society.
“Responsibilities of Pilots: Sub Rule (2) of the Rule 141 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 states that the pilot in command is responsible for the safety of the passengers and cargo carried and for the maintenance of flight discipline and safety of the members of the crew,” the DGCA said.
Applying restraining devices should be used when all conciliatory approaches have been exhausted while trying to contain an unruly passenger, the regulator added.
“Head of operations are hereby advised to sensitise pilots, cabin crew and Director-in-flight Services of their respective airlines on the topic of handling of unruly passenger through appropriate means under intimation to DGCA. Any non-compliance towards applicable regulations shall be dealt strictly and invite
enforcement action,” the statement further read.