WASHINGTON, U.S.- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has escalated 22 additional incidents of unruly passenger behavior to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for potential criminal prosecution review.
These newly identified cases, which occurred during the year’s second quarter, contribute to a cumulative total of 39 such incidents reported in 2023.
FBI Investigates FAA Unruly Passengers
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the gravity of unruly conduct aboard flights, highlighting the potential safety hazards it poses to both passengers and crew members.
“We are taking a proactive approach to address this issue seriously. Those who engage in disruptive behavior on aircraft can expect legal consequences, including the possibility of criminal charges and fines reaching up to $37,000 per violation.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Cases
The recent referrals encompass the following incidents:
April 2023: Engaged in shouting, cursing, and hurling objects at fellow passengers, necessitating the application of restraints.
April 2023: Displayed erratic conduct, posed threats of physical aggression, and resisted complying with seating instructions.
March 2023: Committed a physical assault and approached the cockpit area with apparent intentions to enter.
March 2023: Engaged in smoking within the aircraft lavatory, breaching regulations.
March 2023: Demonstrated erratic actions, leading to the necessity of utilizing restraints.
February 2023: Perpetrated a physical assault against another passenger and engaged in vaping during the flight.
February 2023: Attempted to breach the cockpit.
January 2023: Engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior targeted at flight attendants.
January 2023: Physically assaulted a flight attendant.
January 2023: Displayed refusal to remain seated and disruptive and erratic behavior.
January 2023: Carried out a physical assault against another passenger.
January 2023: Committed a sexual assault against a female passenger.
January 2023: Committed a second sexual assault against a female passenger.
November 2022: Engaged in an altercation leading to an assault against another passenger.
October 2022: Sent a bomb threat message to other passengers via airdrop.
July 2022: Was one of two passengers involved in a disturbance and physical assault against another passenger.
July 2022: Was the second of two passengers engaged in a disturbance and physical assault against another passenger.
July 2022: Physically assaulted another passenger.
July 2022: Involved in a sexual and physical assault against an unaccompanied minor.
June 2022: Physically assaulted another passenger and consumed personal alcohol onboard.
January 2022: Committed physical assault against another passenger and caused damage to personal belongings.
December 2021: Made terroristic threats, assaulted a flight attendant, and smoked on the aircraft.
FBI-FAA Joint Statement
On November 2021, a joint statement said, In an ongoing collaboration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are closely collaborating to ensure that unruly airline passengers are subject to criminal prosecution when necessary.
The two agencies have established a protocol for sharing information, enabling the FAA to refer cases of unruly passengers to the FBI for assessment of potential criminal charges.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI are fully committed to prioritizing reviewing cases referred by the FAA and initiating criminal proceedings where deemed appropriate.
This heightened coordination forms part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at preventing hazardous incidents involving unruly passengers.
“This serves as both a cautionary message and a deterrent: Disrupting a flight not only exposes you to fines from the FAA but also the possibility of federal criminal prosecution,” warned FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.
FBI Acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the Criminal Investigative Division stated, “The FBI will continue working alongside our partners to ensure the safety of all passengers and to investigate incidents falling under our jurisdiction aboard commercial flights.”
Drop in Unruly Passengers Cases
Since late 2021, the FAA has collaborated with the FBI to refer more than 270 severe cases, ensuring that disruptive passengers on airlines are subjected to criminal prosecution as required.
While there has been a substantial decrease of over 80 percent in the frequency of unruly passenger incidents since the peak levels in early 2021, instances of unacceptable behavior still persist.
The FAA actively takes legal measures against any passenger involved in assaulting, threatening, intimidating, or impeding airline crew members. The agency can impose civil penalties of up to $37,000 for each violation.
Comprehensive and up-to-date information on these incidents can be found on our dedicated unruly passenger website.
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