Passengers of airlines who cause disruption and have antisocial behavior will now be threatened with fines of up to 20,000 euros and a ban on flying for up to four years in France, according to a new decision by the French Ministry of Transport.
The decree No. 2025-1063, which took effect on November 8, outlines the penalties for passengers who cause disruptions in French airspace.
From now on, the French Minister of Transportation can impose fines of up to 10,000 euros, and in case of repeated violations, the fines can “soar” to 20,000 euros.
According to a government statement, infractions include operating electronic or electrical devices when prohibited by the crew during part or all of the flight, interfering with the crew’s performance of safety duties, and refusing to comply with safety instructions issued by the crew.
In more serious cases, offenders may face a ban from boarding for up to four years.
A special database will be created for French airlines to report “detrimental behavior,” which will be managed by the French Civil Aviation Authority.
“The safety of passengers and crew is our top priority. Misbehavior in flight is unacceptable. It jeopardizes flight safety and undermines the working conditions of the crew,” said French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, describing the new decision as “immediate, fair, and in compliance with the law.”
According to Mr. Tabarot, “this new regulatory framework sends a strong message: disruptive behavior will no longer be tolerated and will be subject to effective administrative sanctions.”
Improper behavior by airline passengers is an increasing threat to flight safety.According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), one incident of unruly and disruptive behavior occurs per 395 flights.
In Europe, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reports between 200 and 500 incidents per month.
Simon Calder, travel correspondent for The Independent, said that “the €10,000 fine for failing to activate the flight mode on a mobile phone seems a bit severe, but as a deterrent for improper and dangerous behavior in flight, it’s exactly what’s needed.”
“Passengers who cause trouble are often left unpunished for actions that disturb other passengers and the crew and endanger safety,” he emphasized.
