24 June 2025 Clear rules for safe flying Mobility Minister Hanke and aviation industry sign declaration against ‘Unruly Passengers’

Ensuring safe and efficient aviation is a common goal of the Austrian authorities, airports, airlines, handling services and the entire industry. Mobility Minister Peter Hanke and representatives of the aviation industry made this clear at a media event today. A ‘Joint Declaration on Unruly Passengers’ was signed before the start of the peak travel season. The aim is to consistently counter the increasing misbehaviour of a minority of passengers on board and on the ground.

Coordinated measures for prevention, communication and sanctions will apply with immediate effect.

‘Safety in air traffic is not a subject for negotiation - it is a basic requirement,’ emphasises Federal Minister Peter Hanke. "Unruly passengers pose an unacceptable risk to staff and passengers. Anyone who flies must abide by the rules. This is precisely why we are sending out a strong signal today, with clear rules and full support for everyone who works in aviation."

Concrete changes for a joint approach

With the declaration, the aviation industry and the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) have agreed on a joint approach:

• Clear rules: Passengers will be informed early on about their behaviour and possible consequences - e.g. fines or being banned from the premises.
• Stronger support for staff: flight and ground staff will be trained to intervene at an early stage - with the full backing of their organisations.
• Zero tolerance for escalation: Anyone who misbehaves on board or on the ground must expect legal consequences.
• Focus on alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption is clearly identified and addressed as the main cause of misbehaviour.
• Permanent task force: A new working group under the leadership of the BMIMI will ensure progress monitoring, dialogue and further development of measures in future.
• Regular evaluation: Incidents will be analysed annually and measures adapted.

In addition, all parties involved are committed to more awareness campaigns, consistent implementation of existing rules, clear information channels for passengers and preventative measures, such as stopping conspicuous persons before boarding.

Irregularities in air traffic can lead to escalations

The initiative comes at just the right time in view of the peak travel season. Irregularities in air traffic are also to be expected this year, for example due to extreme weather, closed airspace or staff shortages. Such situations can cause stress among travellers and lead to escalating behaviour. The number and severity of such incidents is increasing, especially since the coronavirus pandemic.

"That's why we now need clear rules, a joint approach and consistency in our actions. This is the only way to ensure safe, respectful air traffic,‘ explains Federal Minister Hanke, adding: ’Only through joint efforts can safe and respectful air traffic be guaranteed."