UK. A UK aviation industry-led campaign warning passengers of the consequences of disruptive behaviour in airports and onboard has launched at 14 airports across the country.
As part of the One Too Many campaign, warnings about disruptive behaviour will be posted on digital display screens, in retail and food & beverage outlets, and via a targeted social media campaign.
The materials will remind passengers that penalties can range from being denied boarding, fines of up to £80,000, or jail for the most serious offences.
The campaign first launched in summer 2018 at ten airports and was cited as an example of industry best practice and cooperation in the UK government’s ‘Aviation 2050 – the future of UK aviation’ green paper.
UK Civil Aviation Authority figures showed a slight drop (from 417 to 413) in disruptive passenger incidents at airports last year despite 7.67 million more passengers flying in 2018 than in 2017. However, some regional leisure routes saw an increase, and 31% of reported incidents were explicitly linked to alcohol in 2017.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere launched the 2019 campaign as the industry prepares for the conclusion of the government consultation on airport alcohol licensing.
The campaign will reinforce the UK aviation industry’s Code of Practice on Disruptive Passengers.
The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the Airports Operators Association (AOA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines UK (AUK) are the partners behind the campaign.
Participating airports are the Manchester Airport Group [which operates London Stansted, Manchester and East Midlands airports]; AGS Airports [owner of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports]; London Heathrow; Belfast International; Liverpool John Lennon; Leeds Bradford; Bristol; Birmingham; Newcastle; and London Gatwick.
Baroness Vere commented: “The vast majority of passengers enjoy themselves responsibly, but there are a small minority that can make flying unpleasant or unsafe for others. We are clear this will not be tolerated and perpetrators risk being denied boarding, fined up to £5,000, or given a two year prison sentence.
“It is great to see the industry coming together for this campaign to help ensure flying is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
UK Travel Retail Forum Chair Francois Bourienne said: “The results of the campaign so far have been incredibly promising: and there has been a great response from the partner airports who have reported decreasing numbers of disrupting passengers on last year.
“The numbers have always been low but passengers that are disruptive ruin the experience of others on their flight, cause stress for staff and additional expense for airlines. As One Too Many makes clear, this is unacceptable, and all offenders will face consequences much worse than a hangover.”
IATA Regional Vice President for Europe Rafael Schvartzman added: “We are proud to be back on board to continue to reduce rare incidents of unacceptable behaviour. The One Too Many campaign has been effective in enhancing public awareness of the consequences of disruptive or disorderly behaviour. This has been noted by the aviation industry across Europe, which has drawn inspiration for their own initiatives.
“It is rewarding that the UK’s aviation industry has worked together to achieve a reduction in the number of incidents and is setting the benchmark high for other countries.”
Airport Operators Association Chief Executive Karen Dee commented: “The One Too Many campaign has returned to remind passengers of the penalties they face. However, the industry itself needs no reminder.
“Airport and airline staff are always ready to act to prevent or deal with a disruptive incident and will not hesitate to action the deserved penalties. We hope those departing from the UK’s airports this summer fly responsibly and start their party at the destination, not onboard.”
