51 Passengers Added to No-Fly List for Unruly Behavior in 2023

The civil aviation ministry reported that 51 passengers have been placed on the no-fly list for unruly behavior this year, making a total of 300 in the last five years. Adequate regulatory frameworks are in place to ensure safety on board, and the aviation sector's operating costs remain dynamic due to various factors.

The civil aviation ministry announced on Monday that 51 passengers have been placed under the no-fly list this year up to July 1 for unruly behavior.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has set norms for managing unruly passengers, including procedures for placing them on the no-fly list.

According to data provided by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol to the Rajya Sabha, a total of 300 passengers have been placed on the no-fly list over the past five years, with 51 individuals included this year up to July 1.

In 2023, 110 passengers were placed on the no-fly list. The count for 2022 and 2021 stood at 63 and 66 respectively, and 10 passengers were included in 2020.

The minister emphasized that regulatory frameworks are in place to ensure safety and manage disorderly behavior on board aircrafts.

In a related statement, Mohol mentioned that airlines' operating costs fluctuate due to several factors such as the price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), foreign exchange rates, and taxes.

ATF constitutes about 40 percent of an airline's operating costs. Government consultations between airlines and Oil Marketing Companies led to the adoption of MOPAG pricing, enhancing transparency and parity between global and Indian jet fuel prices.

He also noted that the government is working with states and UTs on reducing VAT on ATF and is advocating for the inclusion of ATF under GST.