Incidents reported by unruly or disruptive passengers increased in 2022 compared to 2021, This is reported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Last year there was one incident of unruly behavior for every 568 flights, up from one for every 835 flights in 2021. The most common incidents in 2022 were non-compliance with crew instructionsverbal harassment and abuse of alcohol.

Incidents of physical aggression remain rare, but registered an alarming 61% increase compared to 2021, with one incident per 17,200 flights.

“The rising trend of incidents involving unruly or disruptive passengers is worrying. Passengers and crew have the right to a safe and conflict-free experience on board. To do this, passengers must follow the crew’s instructions,” said Conrad Clifford, IATA Deputy Director General.

“While our crew is prepared to handle conflicting passenger situations, it is unacceptable that a small but persistent minority of passengers do not comply with the rules that have been put in place to ensure the safety of everyone. There is no reason not to follow the crew’s instructionshe added.

Although the number of incidents decreased on most flights after the lifting of the mandatory use of masks, the frequency started to rise again during 2022, ending the year with 37% more incidents than in 2021.

The most common infringement cases were:

IATA called on governments to take the necessary measures to treat these types of passengers under the 2014 Montreal Protocol (MP14).

“States are ratifying MP14 and reviewing enforcement measures, a position that underscores their determination to prosecute unruly behavior and sends a clear message of deterrence,” said Clifford.