The Irish aviation industry has launched a new campaign to tackle unruly passenger behaviour in airports and on flights.
All Irish airlines and airports, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Aviation Authority, AirNav Ireland, ground handlers and international aviation organisations have all come together to tackle the issue, by signing a joint declaration.
It sets out how the aviation industry aims to combat the issue of unruly behaviour on flights.
It plans to boost its ability to ban passengers through no-fly lists, ensure Gardaí are informed of all criminal activity, enhance training for cabin crew and improve communication to passengers to prevent unruly behaviour.
In a joint statement, these organisations said there has has been a three-fold increase in passenger unruly behaviour reported between 2019 and 2023.
Unruly behaviour can include intoxication, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour as well as not following the commands of flight crew, who are there to ensure passenger safety.
"The signatories of the joint declaration will not tolerate any behaviour that has the potential to disrupt the passenger experience, impact the safety of the cabin crew and airport staff or create a safety risk to the aircraft and those on board the flight," according to the joint statement.
"This includes physical and sexual assault, threatening and abusive behaviour and generally disruptive acts."
Angela Willis, Assistant Commissioner, DMR of An Garda Síochána welcomed the declaration.
"We all want to ensure that air travel is pleasant and most importantly safe for all users," she said.
"While the vast majority of people that use air travel have the highest regard for fellow passengers, unfortunately there are a small minority whose behaviour at airports or on aircraft can have a significant impact on the experience and safety of other passengers or flight crew.
"An Garda Síochána is delighted to sign this declaration and to work with our partners to combat disruptive and dangerous behaviour which will not be tolerated," she added.
Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports said like every airport in the world, there are sometimes a few "bad eggs" whose behaviour impacts others.
"We want our airports to be enjoyable and stress-free for passengers and we're pleased to see the sector coming together to tackle the issue of unruly and dangerous behaviour," he said.
Signatories to the declaration:
Aer Lingus, AirNav Ireland, An Garda Siochana, CityJet, Cork Airport, Donegal Airport, Dublin Airport, EASA, Emerald Airlines, Fly4 Airlines, Hibernian Airlines, IATA, Ireland West Airport, Irish Aviation Authority, Kerry Airport, Ryanair, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Shannon Airport, Sky Handling Partner, Swissport
