30-Day Flying Ban: DGCA proposes stricter rules on 'unruly passengers'

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has proposed stricter rules to deal with unruly and disruptive passengers, giving airlines greater powers to act swiftly in the interest of flight safety.

In a draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) issued under Rules 22, 23, 29 and 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the regulator has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders until March 16.

The DGCA emphasised that even a single disruptive passenger can jeopardise the safety of an aircraft, its crew, and fellow travellers. It reiterated a “Zero Tolerance Policy” towards unlawful behaviour on board and at airports.

Airlines can impose a 30-day ban without committee review

Under the proposed rules, airlines can directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days on passengers found guilty of certain disruptive acts — without referring the case to an Independent Committee.

This marks a significant departure from earlier norms, where all such cases had to be examined by a three-member Independent Committee, often delaying action.

However, such disruptive passengers banned under the 30-day provision will not be placed on the DGCA’s central ‘No-Fly List’, though airlines must maintain a database and inform the regulator.

Acts that can trigger immediate ban

An airline can impose a direct ban of up to 30 days if a passenger engages in:

• Smoking on board the aircraft
• Consuming alcohol on domestic flights
• Consuming alcohol not served by crew on international flights
• Misuse of emergency exits or life-saving equipment, including life jackets
• Engaging in protests or sloganeering
• Unruly conduct arising from intoxication
• Screaming, causing disturbance, kicking seat backs, or banging tray tables

The regulator has clarified that aircraft and airport premises are not places for protests or sloganeering.

Categorisation of 'unruly behaviour'

The draft retains the existing four-level classification system:

• Level 1: Verbal harassment, gestures, unruly intoxication
• Level 2: Physically abusive behaviour (pushing, hitting, inappropriate touching)
• Level 3: Life-threatening behaviour (choking, serious violence, damage to aircraft systems)
• Level 4: Attempted or actual breach of the cockpit

For serious cases referred to the Independent Committee, bans may range from:

• Up to 3 months (Level 1)
• Up to 6 months (Level 2)
• Minimum 2 years or more (Level 3 & 4)
• Repeat offenders will face double the duration of the previous ban.

What changes from the old rules?

Previously, complaints from the pilot-in-command had to be referred to an Independent Committee comprising a retired District & Sessions Judge, a representative from another airline, and a consumer or passenger association member.

The committee had up to 45 days to decide the category of offence and the duration of the ban. Pending its decision, airlines could impose a temporary ban of up to 45 days.

Under the new draft, airlines gain immediate authority to act in clearly defined disruptive cases.

Responsibilities of airlines

The draft mandates airlines to:

Establish and circulate a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Train flight crew, cabin crew, and ground staff to detect and defuse situations

Report all incidents to DGCA as per Cabin Safety Circular 01 of 2025

Coordinate with airport police, CISF, BCAS, and airport operators in serious cases

Crew members must attempt to defuse situations verbally before resorting to restraining measures. In extreme cases, the pilot-in-command may divert the flight to an alternate airport.

Appeal mechanism for air flyers

Passengers placed on the ‘No-Fly List’ may appeal within 60 days to an Appellate Committee constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, headed by a retired High Court judge.

Those directly banned by airlines under the 30-day disruptive category may appeal within 15 days to the airline’s Independent Committee.

The DGCA said the revised framework aims to ensure quicker action, enhance deterrence, and prioritise safety and discipline in Indian civil aviation.

Stakeholders can submit feedback on the draft regulation until March 16.