Discretion Granted to Carriers to Set Policies Amid Safety Concerns
In response to recent incidents reminiscent of the ‘pee-gate’ controversy on Air India flights in late 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has clarified that individual airlines hold the authority to determine limits on alcoholic beverages served onboard. The absence of a uniform rule from the airlines’ regulatory body places the responsibility of crafting policies on alcohol consumption in the hands of each airline.
Following a petition filed by a 72-year-old woman who endured an unruly passenger’s misconduct during a New York-Delhi flight, the DGCA apprised the Supreme Court that Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) are in place to address disruptive passengers. However, specific guidelines regarding alcohol intake vary across airlines.
According to Clause 4.3 of CAR, airlines retain the prerogative to devise measures to prevent passengers from excessively consuming alcohol, which could potentially lead to disruptive behaviour. This decision aims to mitigate the likelihood of passengers causing disturbances due to intoxication.
The petitioner advocated for the apex court to direct the aviation regulatory body to establish a ‘zero tolerance’ standard operating procedure (SOP) to effectively manage unruly behaviour onboard. Criticizing the Air India crew’s handling of the incident, she alleged negligent conduct and pressured resolution with the accused passenger, sans involvement of law enforcement.
Underscoring the necessity for the DGCA to categorize drunkenness as unruly or disruptive conduct onboard aircraft, the petitioner stressed the paramount importance of ensuring passenger safety and preserving dignity.
The DGCA’s affirmation underscores the significance of airlines implementing measures to regulate alcohol consumption onboard to forestall future occurrences akin to those experienced previously.
However, the absence of a standardized policy underscores the imperative for consistent enforcement and vigilance across all airlines, ensuring the perpetuation of passenger safety and comfort.
