Position Paper IFALPA: Unruly Passengers

The term “unruly passenger” refers to any passenger who fails to respect the rules of conduct while on board an aircraft or refuses to follow the instructions of crew members, thereby disturbing good order and instruction and discipline.1 Unruly behaviour includes assault of other passengers or crew, sexual abuse or harassment, abusive consumption of alcohol and/or narcotics (...)

Position Paper IFALPA: Intoxicated Passengers

Two recent incidents have once again highlighted the ongoing issue of intoxicated passengers on board aircraft. On 16 May 2022, a flight originally scheduled from Gran Canaria to Newcastle was forced to divert to Porto, where a disruptive passenger was taken off the aircraft. The following day, another flight between Manchester and Faro was also forced to divert, this time to Nantes, due to the safety of the flight being compromised by five intoxicated passengers (...)

Position Paper IFALPA: Transport of Passengers Subject to Judicial or Administrative Proceedings

It is not unusual for aircraft Operators to have to transport deportees, inadmissible persons, or persons in lawful custody. IFALPA is not opposed to this practice, however, strict guidelines should be followed to ensure that the safety and security of the flight are not compromised. The final decision on accepting such passengers and any escort onboard should rest with the pilot- in-command (...)

Position Paper IFALPA: Crew Escape from Hijacked Aircraft on the Ground

At all times during a hijack, the safety of the passengers and crew as well as the denial of the aircraft to the hijacker(s) is of paramount importance. The pilot-in-command, who is responsible for the aircraft’s security and has the best overview of the situation, must have the means to react according to the level of risk and the actual situation on board. Any measures taken should enhance the ability of the pilot-in-comman to assess the situation thoroughly and, if possible, bring it under control (...)

Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Security Concerns in the Papua Region of Indonesia

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is extremely concerned about the ongoing security issues faced by commercial aircraft and crews operating in the Papua Region of Indonesia, as reported by our local Member Association, Ikatan Pilot Indonesia (IPI). On 9 January 2023, local militants fired bullets at a cargo plane landing at Oksibil Airport, which resulted in a go around and a diversion (...)