A doubling of the number of unruly passengers onboard KLM flights has triggered a Netherlands initiative to stem the problem.
In 2023, flag-carrier KLM has experienced an average of 30 disruptive passengers a month, compared to 15 a month in 2019. Around 60% of the incidents take place on board, with the remainder in the departure hall. In more than half of these cases, alcohol has been a factor.
Dutch airlines, airports, and law enforcement groups have now signed up to an agreement to make passengers aware of the consequences of bad behavior and to consider a national flying ban on misbehaving travelers.
The Dec. 14 agreement brought together four Netherlands airlines—KLM, Transavia, TUI, and Corendon Dutch Airlines—the Royal Schiphol Group, the Royal Marechaussee (the paramilitary police responsible for airport security), and the public prosecutor’s office.
The agreement will include examining how passengers can be made more aware of the consequences of their behavior. They will also examine how staff can be better trained to deal with such incidents.
The signatories noted that airlines keep no-fly lists of passengers who have misbehaved on their aircraft, at both Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and outstations. Within the KLM Group, KLM and LCC Transavia have shared passenger data on individuals who have been guilty of unacceptable behavior since 2022. These passengers are banned from flying with either airline for at least five years.
The signatories will now consider whether this information can be shared between all Dutch airlines, subject to applicable legislation governing privacy.
The Netherlands is the third country in Europe to sign such a declaration, following Norway and Ireland.
“As an airline, the safety and security of our passengers and crew is a top priority. For this reason, we don’t tolerate any form of aggression on board or on the ground,” KLM VP security services Leen van Duijn said. “The consequences of passengers misbehaving are severe; it has a major impact on our passengers and our colleagues. Unfortunately, we have to note that the number of unruly passengers has increased sharply. What we experience in the air is a reflection of broader society. It’s therefore encouraging that this issue is being addressed jointly by the airline industry and government.”
“Flying is one of the safest forms of transport,” Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Mark Harbers added. “The fact that some people misbehave on aircraft to the extent that they jeopardize the safety and security of passengers and crew alike is unacceptable. Unfortunately, it’s also becoming more common. It’s important that we make a concerted effort with all the parties involved to further reduce these kinds of incidents.”
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