Drunk and disruptive air passengers face new police crackdown

Police commanders at airports across the UK are joining forces with the CPS, UK airlines and airport authorities to operate a zero tolerance approach to handling passengers who cause disruption, or threaten the safety of staff and other passengers through drunken, anti-social or violent behaviour.

Under the UK Disruptive Passenger Initiative, launched this month at Manchester Airport, people who turn up drunk for flights or are abusive may be refused access to, or be removed from the airport.

Any passengers considered unfit to fly through drink could have their flight tickets invalidated with no compensation, and those who become disruptive on board could face prosecution, imprisonment or substantial fines. They could also be liable to any costs incurred should the flight need to be diverted because of their behaviour, with the police applying for compensation on behalf of the airline as part of the prosecution case.

Launched in the run up to the expected increase in air travel during the World Cup and the UK holiday season, the widely backed initiative is designed to make air travel safer and more pleasant for the travelling public. It will also ensure a united and uniform response to problem travellers, and through early and decisive intervention prevent the escalation of unacceptable behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael Todd, ACPO’s lead on transport security said: “This sort of behaviour can frighten and upset fellow travellers if it occurs in terminal buildings, and be downright dangerous if it happens in flight.

“This joint initiative with our partners in the air travel industry shows a united front to disruptive passengers and leaves them in no doubt, that should their behaviour fall short of what we consider acceptable, it will be them that end up paying the price – which could be more than £40,000.

“Watching what you drink and behaving courteously will ensure that everyone, including holidaymakers and football supporters, have a good time and arrive at their destination safely.”

Travellers will also, through the initiative, be reassured that the police and aviation industry take disruptive behaviour seriously and are prepared to forcefully deal with actual and potential incidents.