ICAO Aiming to Tackle Unruly Passenger Behavior on Planes

Photo source: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

In efforts to address a surge in unruly passenger behavior on international flights, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has called on member states to swiftly proceed with the ratification of the 2014 Protocol to Amend the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, also known as the Montréal Protocol 2014 (MP14).

Initiated in April 2014, the protocol aims to address jurisdictional gaps hindering effective prosecution of offences occurring on international flights.

“On the tenth anniversary of MP14, it is crucial that member states reinforce their commitment to safe air travel by ratifying this essential treaty. The global spike in unruly passenger incidents is not just a matter of passenger comfort – it’s a safety and security risk that requires an immediate, coordinated response,” said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano.

Photo source: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

The current Tokyo Convention assigns jurisdiction over offences committed on board aircraft to the state where the aircraft is registered, posing challenges when flights land in foreign territories.

MP14 rectifies this by granting jurisdiction to the state of landing, allowing it to address unruly passengers regardless of the aircraft’s registration. The state of operator also gains jurisdiction over offences committed on board an aircraft registered elsewhere.

The Protocol came into force in 2020 ratified by 47 states worldwide.

Photo source: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar is also encouraging governments to utilize the suite of tools developed to prevent and respond to unruly passenger crimes.

The organization’s Manual on the Legal Aspects of Unruly and Disruptive Passengers provides insights into likely offences and administrative sanctions regimes for offenders. Additionally, ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices support measures to safeguard international civil aviation against unlawful interference.

ICAO’s call to action highlights the necessity of collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of air travel for all passengers and crew members.