Vaping is causing a spike in passenger numbers, disrupting flights, new figures show.
The rate of incidents involving unruly travelers increased by almost a third last year compared with 2022, according to the International Air Transport Association (Iata), the global aviation body.
Causes of in-flight rage are often related to passengers not following flight rules, insulting the crew, or being drunk.
Iata reports that passengers using vapes – an e-cigarette – in the cabin or restroom are among the most common examples of non-compliance with regulations.
Other common problems include not wearing a seat belt when instructed, not storing luggage when asked, and drinking alcohol when brought on board.
One out of every 568 flights around the world was reported as a disorder last year, up from 1/835 flights in 2021.
The increase comes as aerial rage is expected to decrease with the removal of rules around mask wearing.
Passengers and crew enjoy a safe and hassle-free experience
Conrad Clifford, Iata
Deputy General Manager Iata Conrad Clifford said: “The trend of increasing unruly passenger cases is worrying.
“Passengers and crew enjoy a safe and hassle-free experience on board. To do that, passengers must follow the instructions of the crew.
“While our professional crews are well trained to manage unruly passenger situations, it is unacceptable that the rules applied for everyone’s safety should not. obeyed by a small but persistent minority of passengers.
“There’s no reason not to follow the crew’s instructions.”
Iata is calling for more countries to prosecute passengers for causing disorder on flights regardless of where the plane departs.
Mr Clifford added: “For the benefit of the majority, we make no apologies for seeking to crack down on the bad behavior of a small number of travelers who can make a flight very uncomfortable. to others.”
Balvinder Bir, national officer for civil aviation at the union Unite, said: “Sadly, this report holds true for Unite members in the aviation industry.
“Prior to the pandemic, there was a huge problem with unruly and abusive passengers on board, and this problem is certainly not going to improve as the industry returns to normal.”
