Incidents involving unruly passengers are increasingly leading to significant legal consequences, with both airlines and civilians heading to the courtroom to claim for damages.
Ryanair has confirmed that it has filed legal proceedings in the Irish Circuit Court claiming over €15 000 (R291 450) in damages against a passenger who disrupted flight FR7124 from Dublin to Lanzarote on April 9 last year.
The passenger’s unruly behaviour forced the flight to divert to Porto where it was delayed overnight, causing 160 passengers to face unnecessary disruption.
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday – are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of one unruly passenger’s behaviour.
“This demonstrates just one of the many consequences that passengers who disrupt flights will face as part of Ryanair’s zero-tolerance policy, and we hope this action will deter further disruptive behaviour on flights so that passengers and crew can travel in a comfortable and respectful environment.”
Disruptive FlySafair passenger
Closer to home, over the festive season a video of an unruly female passenger on a FlySafair flight from Durban to Cape Town went viral after she was filmed allegedly hurling racial insults against the coloured community, demanding to be served alcohol, and physically assaulting flight crew.
The woman has been identified as Nobuntu Mkhize, who is reportedly the SABC brand manager. FlySafair has condemned her behaviour and subsequently placed her on its no-fly list.
The Democratic Alliance has filed a case against Mkhize, accusing her of crimen injuria and disruptive behaviour, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority denounced the incident, emphasising its commitment to ensuring the safety of crew and passengers.
Airlink’s ‘unruly passenger’ dispute
In another notable case, as reported by Travel News, Airlink was forced to suspend flights to Nampula following an incident where two Mozambican passengers who were removed from a flight for unruly behaviour, filed a civil claim against the airline.
A court order was obtained to seize Airlink aircraft at the airport, causing operational disruptions. Flights have since resumed pending the hearing, which is set for mid-January.
Alcohol limit put forward as a solution
According to Ryanair Chief Executive, Michael O’Leary, excessive drinking both at the airport and on board aircraft is largely to blame for an increase in disruptive behaviour.
He has suggested a two drinks per journey limit, as reported by Travel News. “We don’t want to begrudge people having a drink. But we don’t allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33 000 feet,” he said.
