Disruptive passengers could face nationwide flight ban under new government plans

A new government proposal could see passengers with disrupted flights banned from traveling on any airline, not just the airline involved.

Officials at the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are understood to be developing a plan that would allow carriers to share information about unruly passengers.

The plan, currently in its conceptual stage, would require airlines to notify the government about disruptive passengers. Participating airlines will be alerted if such a person attempts to check in for the next flight.

They will also have the option to refuse carriage, although the final decision on how to respond rests with the airline.

The initiative addresses an existing loophole whereby passengers banned by one airline can fly with another airline due to a lack of information sharing, which is partially prevented by data protection regulations.

A YouGov poll of 5,173 British adults in April showed three in four backed the creation of a government database of disruptive passengers to facilitate an industry-wide ban.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy a pint at the airport, but antisocial behavior on flights is completely unacceptable,” a government source said.

“It threatens the safety of passengers and crew and disrupts hard-earned holidays.

“There are already strict laws in place to deal with crime committed on flights, but we are exploring with the industry how we can better tackle this problem and ensure we take action against people who persistently cause chaos.

“Everyone should be able to fly without fuss.”

Officials are scheduled to meet with the airlines later this month to discuss the planned plan.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of industry body Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines have a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour.

“Additional measures to address the most serious cases of disruption, including establishing a national ban list, are an important next step in ensuring that a small minority of passengers do not disrupt air travel for the majority.

“We welcome the government’s support for further action and will work closely with ministers to deliver the right solutions.”

Rory Boland, editor of consumer magazine Which? TripHe said a small number of airline passengers were taking airport drinking “too far” and that it was “harming other passengers”.

He said: “With the risks so high and the safety risk so great, it is right that the penalty for being drunk and disorderly on a flight should be appropriate to the seriousness of the situation.

“So it is welcome that the government is proposing a travel ban for the worst offenders.”

Passenger intoxication is a common cause of bad behavior on a plane.

Being drunk on a plane is a criminal offense and is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary recently called for a ban on serving alcohol to passengers before early morning flights at airports to reduce disruption.

Mr O’Leary said the airline had been forced to divert an average of almost one flight each day, compared to one a week a decade ago, due to poor behavior on board.