Passenger behaviour on flights improves

The number of incidents involving disruptive passenger behaviour on UK flights last year was down by nine per cent on the 2005/06 period, according to new figures.

Data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also showed that the number of significant incidents fell from 1,433 to 1,303 over the 12 months, although the number of serious incidents increased slightly, from 53 to 56.

Aviation minister Gillan Merron suggested that more could be done but said she was "pleased with the overall reduction".

"Airlines have worked hard to ensure disruptive incidents are kept to a minimum and more passengers are aware of the consequences of unruly behaviour," she said.

Four-fifths of the incidents of disruptive behaviour involved male passengers and more than a third (35 per cent) were alcohol-related. The most common offence was smoking in the aircraft toilet.

A significant incident is defined as one that "causes concern but which does not cause a major threat to the safety of the aircraft". A serious incident is one that "actually threatens flight safety or personal safety, or has the potential to do so if the situation escalates".

The most serious offences can result in a £5,000 fine and/or a two-year prison sentence.

Colourful incidents from the past year include junkie rocker Pete Doherty being banned from easyJet after a used syringe was found in the aircraft toilet he had just emerged from.

© Adfero Ltd