FAA Has Referred Over 40 Unruly Passenger Cases To FBI

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has continued its efforts to combat unruly passenger behavior by referring 43 serious incidents to the FBI for potential criminal prosecution this year.

At a Glance

FAA referred 43 unruly passenger cases to the FBI in 2024
Incidents include attacks on crew, assaults, and attempts to breach cockpits
1,375 unruly passenger incidents reported to FAA as of August 18
FAA maintains zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior
Unruly incidents have decreased by 80% since 2021 peak, but remain above pre-2020 levels

FAA Takes Firm Stance Against Unruly Passengers

The Federal Aviation Administration has taken a strong stance against disruptive behavior on flights by referring 43 serious incidents involving unruly passengers to the FBI for potential criminal prosecution. This move underscores the agency’s commitment to maintaining safety and order in the skies, as the number of unruly passenger incidents remains higher than pre-2020 levels.

Since late 2021, the FAA has referred a total of 310 cases to the FBI, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing passenger behavior. As of August 18, airlines reported 1,375 incidents of unruly passengers to the FAA in 2024 alone. These cases include severe offenses such as attacks on crew members, assaults on passengers, and attempts to breach the cockpit.

FAA refers 43 more unruly passenger cases to FBI for investigation https://t.co/65CmDwif3P

— KSN News Wichita (@KSNNews) August 22, 2024

Zero Tolerance Policy and Its Impact

FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker has emphasized the agency’s unwavering stance on disruptive behavior. The FAA implemented a zero-tolerance policy in 2021 in response to a surge in unruly passenger incidents during the 2020 health emergency. This policy shift resulted in the agency issuing fines instead of warning letters for violations.

“There’s absolutely no excuse for unruly behavior,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “It threatens the safety of everyone on board, and we have zero tolerance for it.”

The impact of this policy has been significant. In 2021, the FAA reported approximately 6,000 incidents, a dramatic increase from about 1,000 in 2020. The rate of unruly passenger incidents has dropped by over 80% since early 2021, but more than 1,240 cases were reported in 2024, indicating that challenges persist.

Collaboration Between FAA and FBI

The partnership between the FAA and FBI is crucial in addressing the most serious cases of passenger misconduct. While the FAA can impose fines of up to $37,000 per violation, it lacks criminal enforcement authority. Therefore, cases deemed to warrant criminal prosecution are referred to the FBI for further investigation and potential legal action.

“Dangerous passengers put everyone at risk—and the Biden-Harris Administration has been clear that those who disrupt flights will be held accountable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The FBI’s involvement adds a layer of seriousness to these cases, as the agency collaborates with law enforcement and appropriate agencies to investigate referred incidents. The FBI has even established a Crimes Aboard Aircraft section on their website to facilitate reporting and provide information to the public.

Types of Incidents and Their Consequences

The 43 cases referred to the FBI this year encompass a range of serious offenses. These include three incidents of passengers attempting to breach the flight deck, at least seven incidents of physical assault on passengers or crew, and at least 13 cases of inappropriate behavior or assault. Additionally, there were four cases of inappropriate touching or assault of minor passengers and two cases of attempts to open exit doors or breach aircraft doors.

The severity of these incidents underscores the importance of the FAA’s zero-tolerance policy and the need for strong enforcement measures. Passengers who engage in unruly behavior not only face substantial fines from the FAA but also the possibility of criminal prosecution, which can result in severe legal consequences.

As air travel continues to recover from the disruptions in 2020, the FAA, airlines, and law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew members. The message is clear: disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such actions will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.