As inclement weather and dense fog wreak havoc on air travel, a disturbing incident aboard a Delhi to Goa flight has spotlighted the significance of the ‘No Fly List.’ A passenger, frustrated by prolonged delays, was captured assaulting the co-pilot, leading to immediate ejection from the aircraft. The subsequent legal and airline responses bring the efficacy of the ‘No Fly List’ to the forefront.
DCP Devesh Kumar of Indira Gandhi Airport revealed that the accused is facing charges under sections 323, 341, and 290 of the Indian Penal Code, along with aviation regulations. Indigo, the airline involved, has initiated an independent investigation into the incident. The investigation’s outcome will determine if the passenger joins the ranks of the ‘No Fly List,’ a stringent measure designed to curb disruptive behavior.
The ‘No Fly List,’ guided by Ministry of Civil Aviation directives, categorizes inappropriate behaviors into three tiers of bans, ranging from three months to a permanent prohibition, based on the severity of misconduct. DGCA rules mandate a misconduct complaint for an airline to launch an investigation. A committee is then formed, with a 30-day timeline for delivering a report. If allegations are proven, the passenger is added to the ‘No Fly List,’ with a 60-day window for appealing the decision.
Recent incidents, including comedian Kunal Kamra assaulting journalist Arnab Goswami in 2020, highlight how major airlines leverage the ‘No Fly List’ to address disruptive behavior. While fines are rare, instances like a hijacking warning resulted in a life imprisonment sentence and a Rs 5 crore fine. DGCA also imposed a Rs 30 lakh fine on Air India in January 2023 for boarding irregularities.
