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New rules rein in unruly passengers

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GENEVA, 2 December 2019: Countries will have more power to curb unruly behaviour onboard aircraft according to the International Air Transport Association when the “Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14) takes effect 1 January 2020.

MP14 enhances the capacity of signatory states to curb the escalation in the severity and frequency of unruly behaviour on aircraft.

So far 22 nations have ratified  MP14, the latest being Nigeria that signed off on the protocol 26 November.

MP14, properly named the Protocol to Amend the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, is a global treaty that strengthens the powers of states to prosecute unruly passengers.

It closes a legal gap under the Tokyo Convention 1963, whereby jurisdiction over offences committed during international flights rests with the state where the aircraft is registered.

This causes legal issues when unruly passengers are delivered to the authorities upon landing in foreign territories.

Unruly and disruptive passenger incidents include physical assault, harassment, smoking, or failing to follow crew instructions.

These incidents may compromise flight safety, cause significant delays and operational disruption and adversely impact the travel experience and work environment for passengers and crew.

“Everybody on board is entitled to enjoy a journey free from abusive and unacceptable behaviour. But the deterrent to unruly behaviour is weak,” said IATA’s director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.

“About 60% of offences go unpunished because of jurisdictional issues. MP14 strengthens the deterrent to unruly behaviour by enabling prosecution in the state where the aircraft lands. The treaty is in force. But the job is not done. We encourage more states to ratify MP14 so that unruly passengers can be prosecuted according to uniform global guidelines,”

States should also review the effectiveness of the enforcement mechanisms available to them in line with ICAO Guidance on Legal Aspects of Unruly and Disruptive Passengers (ICAO Document 10117) which gives information on how civil and administrative fines and penalties can be used to supplement criminal prosecutions.

In addition to strengthening jurisdiction and enforcement, airlines are working on a range of measures to help prevent incidents and manage them more effectively when they do occur. These include enhanced crew training and raising awareness with passengers of the potential consequences of unruly behaviour onboard.

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