Unruly passengers

Unruly passenger behaviour is a growing problem around the world, including in Iceland. Various factors can be behind this, for example, mental health issues, stress, medication use, and alcohol.

Airlines may refuse passengers boarding if they are considered likely to cause trouble. Under the Tokyo Convention of 1963, the pilot-in-command has the authority to remove a passenger who threatens flight safety. The crew may also use necessary force to reduce any danger or harm caused by disruptive passengers. Crews receive special training to deal with such situations.

The police also play an important role. Under the Alcohol Act and the Police Act, they have the authority to intervene when passengers’ behaviour gets out of control.

The Icelandic Transport Authority emphasises the importance of flights proceeding peacefully so that everyone reaches their destination safely. The Authority receives reports from Icelandic air operators about incidents involving difficult passengers and will continue working with airport operators, airlines, and others to reduce such cases.

The Icelandic Transport Authority encourages passengers to show responsibility and respect while flying so that the journey is pleasant and safe for everyone.

Legal basis:

Lög um loftferðir nr. 80/2022 https://www.althingi.is/lagas/nuna/2022080.html

107. gr. Upplýsingagjöf og aðstoð við farþega.

108. gr. Valdheimildir flugstjóra.

Lögreglulög 90/1996 https://www.althingi.is/lagas/nuna/1996090.html

16. gr. Heimild til handtöku.

Almenn hegningarlög nr. 19/1940 https://www.althingi.is/lagas/nuna/1940019.html

XVIII. kafli. Brot, sem hafa í för með sér almannahættu.

XIX. kafli. Ýmis brot á hagsmunum almennings.

XXIII. kafli. Manndráp og líkamsmeiðingar.

XXIV. kafli. Brot gegn frjálsræði manna.

Reglugerð um flugvernd nr. 750/2016 https://island.is/reglugerdir/nr/0750-2016

48. gr. Tilkynningar.

Áfengislög nr. 75/1998 https://www.althingi.is/lagas/nuna/1998075.html

VI. kafli. Meðferð og neysla áfengis.

VII. kafli. Leyfissviptingar, refsingar o.fl.

ICAO DOC 8973: 3.2.2, 3.6, 3.8.1-3.8.5, 3.9.1, 3.9.2

Flutningsskilmálar Icelandair fyrir farþega og farangur https://www.icelandair.com/is/adstod/skilmalar-og-skilyrdi/flutningsskilmalar