DGCA proposes swift ban on disruptive passengers

19 FEBRUARY 2026

Airline operators may soon be empowered to directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days on unruly or disruptive passengers without referring the matter to an independent committee.
Presently, the committee is required to examine the matter and give its decision within 45 days before a flying ban can be enforced.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed amendments to Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 governing the handling of unruly or disruptive passengers.
The DGCA said the definition of disruptive acts included smoking on board, consumption of alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorised use of life-saving equipment such as life jackets, engaging in protests or sloganeering, and unruly conduct arising from intoxication.
Additionally, screaming, causing annoyance to fellow passengers, and kicking or banging seat backs or tray tables have also been categorised as disruptive behaviour.
Airlines will be required to maintain a database of such passengers and inform the DGCA about any flying ban imposed.
However, passengers banned under this provision would not be included in the regulator’s official “No Fly List”.