Graz Airport signed a common declaration on handling unruly passengers in air traffic.

In order to ensure safe and efficient air traffic Graz Airport agreed on a declaration against so-called unruly passengers with Mobility Minister Peter Hanke, the other Austrian civil airports as well as the airlines Austrian Airlines, easyJet, Peoples, Ryanair and Wizz.

By applying harmonised measures for prevention, communication and sanction the growing misbehaviour of a minority or the passengers should be consequently countered. Such misbehaviour can make the stay at the airport and in the aircraft for other passengers and the staff very uncomfortable. In the worst case it can even cause delays or security and safety problems.

Specific changes for common action
By signing the declaration the aviation industry and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure have agreed on a common approach:

• Clear rules: Passengers are informed in good time about their behaviour and possible consequences – e.g. fines or bans.
• Stronger support for staff: Flight and ground staff will be trained to react in good time – with full backing by the organisation.
• ZeroTolerance in escalation : Whoever misbehaves on board or on the ground has to expect legal consequences.
• Focus on alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption will be cleary labled as a main reason for misbehaviour.
• Permanent task force: A task force led by the Federal Ministry will ensure the progress control, exchange and development of measures in the future.
• Regular evaluation: Incidents are analysed on a yearly basis and measures will be adapted.

With the common declaration a strong message is sent that misbehaviour in air traffic will not be tolerated.