The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has informed that action will be taken against airline staff for failing to act against misbehaving passengers. Recently, two drunk men urinated on a fellow passenger in an Air India flight. The DGCA has issued strict guidelines ever since the uproar started over the incident.
1/5As per the guidelines issued by DGCA, ‘deterrence devices’ may be imposed against unruly passengers. Basically asked to use handcuffs or belts. But before that the flight attendant has been asked to explain to the concerned passengers in every possible way. Meanwhile, handcuffs or belts can be kept in the cabin of the aircraft, the DGCA said. (Bloomberg) 2/5As per DGCA guidelines, the decision to control an ‘uncomfortable’ passenger in adverse conditions rests with the pilot-in-command. Cabin crew will act as per their instructions. If the situation gets completely out of control and mouthing off doesn’t work, restraining devices should be used. 3/5Incidentally, duct tape is used instead of handcuffs or belts as a restraint device in many countries. If the passenger behaves inappropriately, the cabin crew may pin the passenger to his seat. Tape may also be applied over the mouth. But the pilot’s decision in this matter is final. However, duct tape will not be used in India. Belts or handcuffs will be used. The DGCA guidelines have given information about the type of belt or handcuffs to be used and from whom to buy them. 4/5Meanwhile, the flight attendant has been asked to register an FIR against the accused passenger immediately after landing at the destination. The passenger has also been asked to hand over to the local police. Incidentally, earlier on November 26, accused Shankar Mishra escaped arrest and went home after defecating on a fellow passenger. This has raised questions on the professionalism of Air India. 5/5Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has summoned the pilot, co-pilot and flight attendant of an Air India flight for allegedly urinating on a female passenger. However, Air India employees could not respond to the summons on Friday. It is being told that they will clash with the Delhi Police on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police arrested the accused Shankar Mishra from Bengaluru this morning.