Why in the News?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has proposed amendments to Civil Aviation Requirement provisions to empower airlines to directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days on unruly or disruptive passengers.

Legal Basis

• Proposed under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937
• Amends the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) framework governing handling of disruptive passengers

Key Provisions of the Proposal

1. Flying Ban up to 30 Days
   • Airlines can impose a ban directly.
   • No need for prior referral to the independent committee.
2. Database & Reporting
   • Airlines must maintain a database of banned passengers.
   • DGCA must be informed of every ban.
   • Such passengers will NOT be added to the regulator’s official No Fly List.
3. Objective
   • Ensure swift action in the interest of passenger and flight safety.
   • Streamline existing procedures.

What Constitutes Disruptive Behaviour?

The revised definition includes:

• Smoking on board
• Consumption of alcohol on domestic flights
• Tampering with emergency exits
• Unauthorized use of life jackets or other safety equipment
• Protests or sloganeering inside aircraft
• Intoxicated misbehaviour
• Screaming or causing annoyance
• Kicking or banging seats or tray tables

Existing Mechanism

• Cases must be referred to an Independent Committee.
• Committee headed by a retired District and Sessions Judge.
• Decision required within 45 days before ban enforcement.

Significance for Prelims

• DGCA is India’s aviation safety regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Rule 133A empowers DGCA to issue directions in public interest and aviation safety.
• Distinction between:
  • Airline imposed temporary ban
  • Official regulator maintained No Fly List
• Safety related regulatory reforms often tested in UPSC under transport and governance.

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