The increasing incidents of unruly passenger behaviour on flights raise serious concerns about in-flight safety of air hostess.
A recent altercation between an IndiGo air hostess and a passenger has sparked widespread debate on social media, leaving people divided on the issue. While some are lauding the cabin crew member for standing up for herself and her colleagues, others believe she could have handled the situation more calmly.
According to a passenger on the flight, Tejasvi Chandela, some travelers were extremely rude to the cabin crew, calling them “servants” and aggressively demanding food, despite knowing they were on a low-budget airline. In response to this mistreatment, an air hostess firmly defended herself, stating,
“I am an employee, not a servant.”
The confrontation escalated into a heated argument. Witnesses also reported seeing another air hostess crying due to passenger misbehavior before the incident.
IndiGo later issued a statement acknowledging the incident, stating that it occurred on flight 6E 12 from Istanbul to Delhi on December 16, 2022, and was related to meal choices for passengers traveling under a codeshare connection. The airline confirmed that the matter was under investigation, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) looking into potential action against the unruly passenger.
A SNIPPET OF THE INCIDENT:
The Bigger Picture: Unruly Passenger Behavior on Flights
This is not an isolated case. Instances of disruptive and aggressive behavior by passengers have been increasing worldwide. Some notable past incidents include:
- March 2020 (Brussels Airlines): A male passenger engaged in a physical altercation with both the cabin crew and a fellow passenger after they allegedly elbowed his mother-in-law. He was later arrested and permanently banned from the airline.
- September 2021 (Southwest Airlines, USA): A female passenger, Vyvianna Quinonez, physically assaulted a flight attendant after being asked to fasten her seatbelt. She punched the crew member multiple times, causing serious injuries. Vyvianna was arrested and charged under U.S. aviation laws.
- October 2021 (American Airlines, USA): A passenger assaulted an air hostess so brutally that she suffered broken bones. The dispute arose after the flight attendant accidentally bumped into the passenger. The attacker was immediately arrested upon landing.
- Air India Incident (April 2023): A passenger physically assaulted two female cabin crew members on a Delhi-London flight. The individual received a two-year flying ban from the airline.
- SpiceJet Incident (January 2023): Two passengers were deboarded and handed over to police at Delhi’s IGI Airport after allegedly misbehaving with an air hostess. An FIR was registered under IPC section 354 (molestation).
- IndiGo Incident (April 2022): Three passengers were arrested in Lucknow for allegedly misbehaving with an air hostess on a Hyderabad-Lucknow flight. The accused were reportedly intoxicated and caused disturbances throughout the flight.
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Legal Framework for Passenger Misconduct in India
The increasing incidents of passenger misconduct on flights have prompted strict legal and administrative consequences. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has laid down clear regulations to handle unruly passengers:
- No-Fly List and Flying Bans
The DGCA has implemented a No-Fly List for passengers exhibiting disruptive behavior. The offenses are categorized into three levels:
- Level 1: Inappropriate physical gestures, verbal harassment, or unruly inebriation. Penalty: Up to a 3-month flying ban.
- Level 2: Physically abusive behavior, such as inappropriate touching. Penalty: Up to a 6-month flying ban.
- Level 3: Life-threatening behavior, including damage to aircraft systems or serious physical assault. Penalty: Minimum 2-year flying ban.
- Criminal Liability under Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Passengers who engage in disruptive or abusive behavior on flights can be prosecuted under various sections of the IPC:
- Section 354: Assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty (punishable with imprisonment and a fine).
- Section 509: Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
- Section 323: Voluntarily causing hurt (punishable with up to one year in prison or a fine).
- Section 504: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation.
If the misbehavior escalates into serious threats or violence, additional charges under the Aircraft Act, 1934, and Aircraft Rules, 1937, may apply.
Laws for the Safety of Cabin crew and Air hostess
In India, several laws and regulations safeguard the rights and well-being of air hostesses (cabin crew), ensuring their safety, fair working conditions, and protection from harassment. These legal provisions include:
- The Aircraft Rules, 1937
- Establish the working conditions, responsibilities, and duties of cabin crew.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations outlined by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
- Safeguards air hostesses from sexual harassment in the workplace, including in-flight and office settings.
- Requires airlines to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle complaints efficiently.
- The Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010 (formerly The Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923)
- Provides financial compensation for injuries sustained while on duty, including in-flight accidents.
- The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
- Shields air hostesses from wrongful termination and unfair labor practices.
- The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
- Grants maternity leave and benefits to pregnant air hostesses.
- Ensures job security during pregnancy and post-delivery recovery.
- The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
- Guarantees equal pay for men and women performing similar work within the airline industry.
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Guidelines
- Regulate duty hours, rest periods, and fitness requirements for cabin crew.
- DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) ensures a safe and healthy work environment.
- The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
- Section 354 (Assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 509 (Word, gesture, or act intended to insult a woman’s modesty) protect air hostesses from harassment and misconduct by passengers or colleagues.
- The Factories Act, 1948 & Shops and Establishments Act
- Some provisions apply to ground staff and airline offices to regulate working hours, safety, and welfare measures.
- Airline-Specific Policies and Air India (Flight Crew) Rules
- Airlines implement their own policies regarding safety, working hours, and grievance redressal mechanisms to enhance workplace security and well-being.
Ethical and Social Implications
While airlines have strict protocols to handle unruly behavior, the psychological and emotional impact on cabin crew members is often overlooked. Flight attendants are trained to handle emergencies, not to endure verbal or physical abuse. As Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor stated,
“They are humans too.”
Passenger entitlement and lack of awareness contribute to such conflicts. It is essential for travelers to understand airline policies before boarding and treat airline staff with respect.
The legal framework in India provides robust protection for air hostesses, ensuring their safety, dignity, and fair working conditions. From DGCA regulations to workplace harassment laws, multiple safeguards exist to prevent mistreatment of cabin crew members.
However, incidents of misbehavior by passengers continue to be a concern, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of these laws and increased awareness among travelers.
Respecting aviation professionals is not just a moral responsibility but also a legal obligation. Passengers must be mindful that any unruly behavior can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and travel bans.
Creating a culture of respect and compliance with airline policies ensures a safer and more professional aviation environment for all.
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