The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a new analysis showing that reported unruly passenger incidents increased in 2022 compared to 2021. The most common categories of incidents were non-compliance, verbal abuse, and intoxication.
Physical abuse incidents had an alarming increase of 61% over 2021. IATA called for more states to take the necessary authority to prosecute passengers under MP14. A two-pillar strategy is in place for the needed zero-tolerance approach to unruly behavior.
IATA is urging all states to ratify the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14) to ensure governments have the necessary legal authority to prosecute unruly passengers. Guidance to prevent and de-escalate incidents is being implemented through collaboration with industry partners, such as airports, bars and restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Governments and the industry are taking more serious measures to prevent unruly passenger incidents, such as ratifying MP14 and reviewing enforcement measures.