Karmactive Staff
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated on Wednesday that it referred 43 cases of unruly passengers to the FBI over the past year, bringing the total to more than 310 incidents since late 2021. Airlines have reported over 1,240 incidents to the FAA until now this year, compared to nearly 6,000 in 2021. Relatively few are considered serious enough to be referred to the FBI for investigation and possible criminal charges.
The FAA said that the rate of unruly passenger behavior has dropped by more than 80% since early 2021 when many confrontations began with passengers opposing the use of masks during the pandemic. A federal judge lifted the mask mandate in 2022, leaving the decision to airlines, airports, and transportation systems. The federal government did not appeal the ruling, and airlines and Republican politicians urged the FAA to let the ruling be removed.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized, “At the FAA, we work every day to make sure we get you to your destination safely. However, this is a partnership and we need your help as well. Unruly Passengers Disrupting flights through unruly or violent behavior is unacceptable. Dangerous passengers put everyone at risk. Threatening or violent behavior can distract and disrupt crew members from their primary responsibility to ensure the safety of all passengers. Zero Tolerance Let me be clear, the FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior, and we will take the strongest possible enforcement action against any passenger who engages in it. Consequences If you assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with the airline crew members, you risk not only thousands of dollars in fines from the FAA but, also federal criminal prosecution and jail time. Flying is the safest mode of transportation. At the FAA, we intend to keep it that way.”
Among the cases referred are those of passengers who attempted to break into the cockpit, assaulted crew members and other passengers, or threatened others on board the aircraft. The FAA can propose civil penalties of up to $35,000, but it does not have the legal authority to file criminal charges.
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This year, most cases involved passengers who were aggressive or threatening towards crew members and other passengers. Three incidents stood out where passengers attempted to breach the flight deck, and two where they tried to open the aircraft’s exit doors mid-flight. Additionally, four cases involved passengers inappropriately touching or assaulting a minor passenger. At least 13 incidents were related to sexual assaults on crew members or fellow passengers.
The FBI has launched a new section on its website titled “Crimes Aboard Aircraft,” detailing the types of crimes it investigates and providing information on how passengers can report them. The FAA maintains an updated web portal with detailed data on these incidents.
Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, stated, “Dangerous passenger behavior puts everyone on board at risk. The Biden-Harris administration has made it clear that those who disrupt flights will be held accountable.”
In 2021, the FAA imposed penalties totaling $7.5 million after receiving more than 2,000 reports. The figure included more than 4,000 incidents where airlines enforced the mask mandate on board aircraft.
This joint action between the FAA and the FBI reflects the authorities’ commitment to ensuring flight safety and deterring travelers from engaging in dangerous conduct that could endanger the lives of others.
