Aviation inspectors ‘concerned’ about sharp rise in incidents on planes

Photo: Benjamin van Waart/Flickr
Photo: Benjamin van Waart/Flickr

Transport ministry inspectors say they are concerned about the increase in airline passengers causing trouble since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

In July, there were 94 reports, of which 58 were coronavirus-related, such as a refusal to wear a face mask, the aviation inspectorate ILT said.

Between 2017 and 2019, there were an average of 82 reports about passengers causing trouble on a monthly basis, but there were also far more plane services.

The ILT says it is concerned about the incidents, because they could pose a risk to flight safety and it is calling on ‘everyone involved’ to take more preventative measures.

In one incident, widely circulated on social media, a fight broke out on board a KLM flight to Ibiza after two men refused to wear a mask. Both men were drunk and arrested on arrival at the Spanish island.

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