NEW DELHI: The Indian aviation authorities are planning to recommend putting the passengers who were involved in a recent on-board brawl, on a no-fly list.
“We are in touch with the local police and we are waiting for the police investigation report after which we can take a decision or recommend them to put on the no-fly list,” a top official of the Indian aviation authority told ANI.
In 2017, the Government of India formed the National No-Fly List, which is compiled and maintained by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) based on inputs from airlines. The no-fly list regulates passengers on scheduled and non-scheduled flights only based on their behaviour.
A police case has been registered in connection with the on-board brawl at Kolkata airport and an investigation has been initiated. The aviation authorities including the Ministry of Civil Aviation are in touch with the Kolkata police, and after investigation, the authorities may recommend that the passengers concerned be put on the no-fly list.
Meanwhile, Thai Smile Airways said in an internal report that, “the row erupted when the passenger on seat 37C refused to follow the safety instructions of the crew”. Despite repeated requests, the passenger remained seated with his seat reclined, it said, adding that the Captain delayed the fight due to the same.
Earlier, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), a body that monitors aviation security, had taken strong cognizance of a video that has gone viral on social media showing passengers on a Bangkok-Kolkata flight engaged in a mid-air brawl.
“The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has sought a detailed report from the authorities concerned. The matter has been viewed seriously. We will decide on the further course of action once we get the report”, said Zulfiquar Hasan, DG of BCAS.
The purported video from the Bangkok-Kolkata Thai Smile Airways on December 26 flight shows two passengers engaging in a heated argument even as a flight attendant attempts to calm them. One man is then seen slapping the other as the cabin crew member desperately attempts to separate them. (ANI)