This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

India Draws Up 'No-FLy List' To Rein In Unruly Airline Passengers

The rules come in the wake of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad thrashing an Air India crew member and bragging about it.
Danish Siddiqui / Reuters

In an effort to deter unruly passengers on airlines, India's civil aviation ministry has drawn up draft rules to introduce a "no fly" list barring them from flying on domestic airlines, depending on the severity of the misconduct.

Civil Aviation Secretary RN Choubey said that penalties for unruly behavior will be across three categories -- three months flying ban for disruptive behaviour like physical gestures; six months for physically abusive behavior like pushing, kicking, sexual harassment; and two years or more for life threatening behaviour.

The no-fly list will apply to domestic airlines but international carriers can also use the list, he said.

"We propose to bring out a national no fly list. It is better to do that by a central mechanism under DGCA than leave it to airlines," Choubey said.

In addition, airlines will be free to ban the passengers with immediate effect, even if they aren't on the national no-fly list.

The rules come in the wake of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad physically assaulting Air India employee after he was refused to fly first class as the airline didn't have first class seats. Gaikwad was seen repeatedly beating the crew and bragging about his behaviour, leading to loud protests in the Parliament. Gaikwad eventually apologised after weeks.

With ANI inputs

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.