Industry comments on reports showing an increase in arrests of passengers suspected of being drunk at UK airports and on flights

August 14th, 2017

Commenting on reports showing an increase in arrests of passengers suspected of being drunk at UK airports and onboard aircraft, Airlines UK, the Airport Operators Association and the UK Travel Retail Forum, said in a joint statement:

“As an industry, we take the issue of disruptive passengers very seriously. Thankfully the problem of disruptive behaviour is rare, but where it does happen it can affect fellow passengers, airline crew and employees working at the airport. The industry is working hard to tackle the issue and last year launched a Code of Practice to create a common, consistent approach that co-ordinates and enhances existing efforts to prevent disruptive passenger behaviour. Government supports the Code and together we believe this is the best way to tackle this issue.

 “Disruptive behaviour, including due to excessive alcohol consumption, is not acceptable. Passengers should be aware that consequences of such behaviour could include losing a holiday because they are denied boarding through to fines, flight bans and prison sentences for the most serious offences.”