19 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

DGCA Proposes Swift Ban on Disruptive Passengers; Streamlining Process

DGCA proposes airlines can ban unruly passengers for 30 days without referral.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirement provisions, empowering airlines to directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days on unruly or disruptive passengers without needing to refer the matter to a committee. The definition of disruptive acts includes smoking, alcohol consumption on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorized use of life-saving equipment, protests, sloganeering, screaming, causing annoyance, and kicking seat backs.

Airlines will maintain a database of banned passengers and inform the DGCA. The regulator has invited comments on the proposed amendments.

Key Facts

DGCA proposes amendments to Civil Aviation Requirement provisions

Airlines can impose a flying ban of up to 30 days on disruptive passengers

Definition of disruptive acts includes smoking, alcohol consumption, tampering with emergency exits

Airlines will maintain a database of such passengers and inform the DGCA

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Connects to the syllabus by addressing regulatory frameworks and their impact on civil aviation.

Potential question types include statement-based questions on the powers and functions of the DGCA and the implications of the proposed amendments.

In Simple Words

The government wants to make it easier to ban passengers who cause trouble on flights. Right now, if someone is disruptive, airlines have to go through a long process. The new plan lets airlines quickly ban them for up to a month.

India Angle

In India, where flights are increasingly common, this change could mean fewer disturbances on planes. It might affect how airlines handle everything from drunk passengers to loud protesters.

For Instance

Imagine someone starts shouting slogans on your Delhi to Mumbai flight. Now, the airline can ban that person from flying for a while, just like a school suspending a student for bad behavior.

This matters because it could make flying safer and more pleasant for everyone. No one wants to be stuck on a plane with someone causing problems.

Keep calm and fly on: New rules aim to quickly ground disruptive passengers.

Visual Insights

DGCA's Proposed Ban on Disruptive Passengers

Key details of the DGCA's proposal to streamline the process of banning unruly passengers.

Maximum Flying Ban: 30 days

More Information

Background

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory body for civil aviation in India. It primarily deals with safety issues and enforces air regulations. The Aircraft Act of 1934 empowers the DGCA to formulate rules and regulations related to air travel. These regulations are crucial for maintaining order and safety in the aviation sector. The need for such regulations arises from the potential for disruptive behavior to compromise flight safety and passenger well-being. Historically, incidents of unruly passenger behavior have led to significant disruptions and safety concerns. The existing procedures for handling such incidents often involve lengthy investigations and committee reviews. This process can delay the imposition of penalties and may not act as an immediate deterrent. The proposed amendments aim to address these shortcomings by empowering airlines to take swift action against disruptive passengers. This move reflects a global trend towards stricter enforcement of passenger conduct rules in the aviation industry. The Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) are a set of rules and guidelines issued by the DGCA. These CARs cover various aspects of aviation safety, security, and operations. The current amendments specifically target Section 3 of CAR, which deals with handling unruly passengers. These amendments are intended to streamline the process of imposing flying bans, ensuring quicker and more effective action against disruptive behavior. This regulatory framework is essential for maintaining a safe and secure air travel environment.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the rise in unruly passenger incidents globally. Several international aviation bodies, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), have called for stricter measures to address this issue. Many countries have already implemented stricter penalties and enforcement mechanisms to deter disruptive behavior on flights. This global trend has likely influenced the DGCA's decision to propose these amendments. In 2017, the DGCA introduced a 'no-fly list' for unruly passengers, categorizing offenses into three levels based on severity. The current proposal builds upon this framework by giving airlines more direct control over imposing bans. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been actively reviewing existing regulations to enhance passenger safety and security. These efforts reflect a commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly air travel environment. Looking ahead, the DGCA is expected to further refine the proposed amendments based on the feedback received from stakeholders. The implementation of these changes could lead to a more efficient and effective system for managing unruly passenger behavior. This could also encourage greater compliance with aviation regulations and contribute to a safer flying experience for all passengers. The DGCA may also explore the use of technology, such as enhanced surveillance systems, to further deter disruptive behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the DGCA's proposed ban on disruptive passengers that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

The DGCA is proposing amendments to allow airlines to ban unruly passengers for up to 30 days without needing a committee referral. Disruptive acts include smoking, drinking alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, and causing a disturbance. Airlines will maintain a database of banned passengers and inform the DGCA.

Exam Tip

Remember the maximum ban duration (30 days) and examples of disruptive behavior. This is a frequently tested area.

2. What constitutes 'disruptive behavior' according to the DGCA's proposal, and why is this definition important?

According to the DGCA's proposal, disruptive behavior includes smoking, alcohol consumption on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorized use of life-saving equipment, protests, sloganeering, screaming, causing annoyance, and kicking seat backs. This definition is important because it provides clarity for airlines when imposing bans and ensures consistent application of the rules.

3. What is the historical background of the DGCA's authority to regulate passenger behavior on flights?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) derives its regulatory authority from the Aircraft Act of 1934. This act empowers the DGCA to formulate rules and regulations related to air travel, including those pertaining to passenger behavior and safety.

4. Why is the DGCA proposing these changes now regarding unruly passengers?

There has been a growing concern about the rise in unruly passenger incidents globally. Several international aviation bodies, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), have called for stricter measures to address this issue. Many countries have already implemented stricter penalties and enforcement mechanisms to deter disruptive behavior on flights.

5. What are the potential pros and cons of allowing airlines to directly ban disruptive passengers without committee referral, from an ethical and legal standpoint?

Pros include quicker action against disruptive behavior and enhanced safety. Cons include potential for misuse of power by airlines, risk of arbitrary bans, and concerns about due process for accused passengers. Balancing public safety with individual rights is crucial.

6. What is the significance of Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, in the context of the DGCA's proposed amendments?

The DGCA proposes amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirement provisions under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. This rule provides the legal framework for the DGCA to regulate air travel and related activities. The amendments aim to empower airlines to directly impose flying bans on unruly passengers.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the proposed amendments by the DGCA to the Civil Aviation Requirements: 1. Airlines can directly impose a flying ban of up to 60 days on disruptive passengers. 2. The amendments empower airlines to act without referring the matter to a committee. 3. The definition of disruptive acts includes unauthorized use of life-saving equipment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The proposed amendments allow airlines to impose a flying ban of up to 30 days, not 60 days. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The amendments empower airlines to directly impose a flying ban without referring the matter to a committee. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The definition of disruptive acts includes unauthorized use of life-saving equipment, as stated in the summary.

2. Which of the following actions, as per the DGCA's proposed amendments, would be considered a disruptive act on a domestic flight? 1. Smoking 2. Protests and sloganeering 3. Kicking seat backs Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All the listed actions are considered disruptive acts according to the DGCA's proposed amendments. The definition of disruptive acts includes smoking, protests, sloganeering, and kicking seat backs, as explicitly mentioned in the summary.

3. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) derives its power to regulate civil aviation primarily from which of the following?

A.The Constitution of India
B.The Aircraft Act of 1934
C.The Civil Aviation Act of 1953
D.The Air Corporations Act of 1994

Show Answer

Answer: B

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) derives its power to regulate civil aviation primarily from the Aircraft Act of 1934. This act empowers the DGCA to formulate rules and regulations related to air travel, ensuring safety and order in the aviation sector.