Executive Summary:
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to questions regarding air travel protocols, focusing on passenger safety, mental wellbeing, and handling of unruly behavior. It references existing DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) that outline airline obligations, crew training, and procedures for managing inflight incidents. The document emphasizes adherence to passenger rights and safety.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Passenger Safety and Wellbeing:**
* Indian aviation regulations prioritize the physical safety, mental wellbeing, and dignity of all passengers.
* Cabin crew training includes cabin safety and first aid.
* Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP) Manual, accepted by DGCA, details actions for first aid and emergencies.
* Crew members are trained to identify passenger distress, alert colleagues, and inform the Captain.
* Response to passenger distress is based on the urgency of the situation and flight phase.
* First aid is provided, and medical professionals on board may be requested to assist.
* Onboard medical equipment, including oxygen and AEDs, are available for use.
* **Management of Unruly Passengers:**
* DGCA CAR Section 3 Series M Part VI addresses the "Handling of unruly passengers."
* Airlines train staff to identify early signs of unruly behavior and defuse situations through verbal communication and written notices.
* Airline crew must act courteously and uphold passenger rights at all times.
* Unruly behavior is categorized into three levels based on severity.
* An Internal Committee evaluates unruly incidents to determine appropriate flying bans, with durations varying by misconduct level.
Impact Analysis
* **Airlines:**
* *Impact:* Airlines must ensure compliance with DGCA CAR regarding passenger safety, crew training, and handling of unruly passengers.
* *Action Required:* Review and update training programs, SEP manuals, and internal procedures to align with DGCA requirements; ensure staff are adequately trained in identifying and managing passenger distress and unruly behavior.
* **Cabin Crew:**
* *Impact:* Cabin crew are responsible for implementing safety and emergency procedures, providing first aid, and managing passenger behavior.
* *Action Required:* Participate in required training programs; adhere to SEP manuals and DGCA CAR guidelines; and act courteously while upholding passenger rights.
* **Passengers:**
* *Impact:* Passengers are entitled to physical safety, mental wellbeing, and dignified treatment while onboard flights. They are also subject to consequences for unruly behavior.
* *Action Required:* Be aware of their rights and responsibilities; comply with crew instructions; and refrain from any behavior that could endanger the safety or wellbeing of others.
* **DGCA:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for setting and enforcing aviation regulations related to passenger safety and security.
* *Action Required:* Continue to review and update CARs as needed and ensure airlines comply with the regulations.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and policies relating to civil aviation in India.
Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth: Member of Lok Sabha who raised the question related to air travel protocols.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol: Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, who provided the answer to the question.
DGCA: Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the regulatory body for civil aviation in India.
Civil Aviation Requirements CAR Section 7, Series M, Part I: Regulations issued by the DGCA pertaining to cabin crew training related to cabin safety and first aid.
Safety and Emergency Procedures SEP Manual: A manual accepted by the DGCA, which lays down the detailed actions to be taken by cabin crew in case of first aid situations and emergencies on board.
Civil Aviation Requirements CAR Section 3 Series M Part VI: DGCA regulations titled 'Handling of unruly passengers' that outlines procedures for managing disruptive behavior on aircraft.
Internal Committee: Committee responsible for evaluating incidents of unruly passenger behavior and determining appropriate flying bans according to CAR guidelines.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4620
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21st August 2025 )
AIR TRAVEL PROTOCOLS
4620. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) the obligations of airlines under Indian aviation regulations in ensuring the physical
safety, mental well-being and dignity of all passengers while on board;
(b) the standard protocols to be followed by airlines in case a passenger exhibits signs of
medical or psychological distress during boarding, taxiing or while in flight;
(c) whether airlines are mandated to train cabin crew in identifying and responding to mental
health emergencies or panic attacks during flights, if so, the details thereof and if not, the plan
of the Government to mandate such training in the future;
(d) the current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place for managing in-flight
incidents involving agitated or distressed passengers and whether these SOPs are reviewed
regularly;
(e) whether any mechanisms are in place to ensure that passengers experiencing a medical or
emotional crisis receive proper assistance rather than being treated solely as security threats
or subjected to mistreatment and if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the disciplinary or legal procedures currently followed by airlines when passengers engage
in verbal or physical altercations during flights?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar
Mohol)
(a) to (f) : DGCA has issued Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 7, Series M, Part I,
cabin crew are required to be trained in aspects related to cabin safety and first aid. Further,
the Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP) Manual, as accepted by DGCA, lays down the
detailed actions to be taken by cabin crew in case of first aid situations and emergencies on
board.
Indian aviation regulations place significant emphasis on ensuring the physical safety, mental
well-being, and dignity of all passengers on board flights. Crew members are trained to take
charge, alert colleagues, and inform the Captain when a passenger is in distress. The response
is based on the situation's urgency and flight phase. Crew assesses the patient's condition and
provides first aid if needed. The crew can request assistance from any medical professionals
on board via public announcement. Onboard medical and emergency equipment, including
oxygen and Automated External Defibrillators(AEDs), are used as needed.
;Also, as per DGCA CAR Section 3 Series M Part VI titled "Handling of unruly passengers"
in order to prevent discomfort to other passengers and crew members, unlawful or disruptive
behavior on board the aircraft may interfere with or hinder the crew members' ability to
perform their duties, endanger the safety of the aircraft, the people and property on board, or
the good order and discipline on board.;
In line with the DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), airline ensures that staff are
trained to identify early signs of potential unruly behavior and make every effort to defuse
situations through verbal communication and, if necessary, written notices. At all times,
airline crew is expected to act courteously and uphold passenger rights.
Unruly behavior is categorized into three levels based on severity, and as per CAR
guidelines, an Internal Committee evaluates such incidents to determine appropriate flying
ban. The duration of such bans varies as per the level of misconduct.
******