UAE has signed a global protocol that grants power to the airport authorities to deal with rude passengers on international flights arriving in the country. Beginning from 1st May, the authorities in UAE will have the power to manage rude and disruptive passengers on the flights that land in the country, irrespective of where the aircraft is registered.
Lack of Laws in Dealing With Rude Passengers on International Flights
In-flight incidents have been a growing problem on commercial airline flights around the world. According to a survey, 60% of International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines revealed the lack of jurisdiction as being a key factor for why prosecutions of rude passenger incidents do not proceed. IATA said that unruly behavior on flights, such as verbal and physical abuse, aggression towards crew and fellow passengers, and non-compliance with safety procedures has significantly increased in recent years.
Rude Passengers on international flights pose a serious safety and security threat that can disrupt the operation of the aircraft, endanger the lives of other passengers and crew members, and cause financial losses to airlines. It can also lead to flight diversions, delays, and cancellations, causing inconvenience to passengers and significant costs to airlines.
IATA Welcomes the Move
IATA appreciated UAE’s move in this regard in a formal statement. Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East, said; “IATA welcomes the leadership shown by the UAE in ratifying MP14.” “Not only will this give the UAE authorities important new powers in dealing with unruly passengers that land in the country, but as a major aviation market and ICAO Council member, it will also encourage other States to ratify MP14,” he added.
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