Comparatively to last year, incidents involving ‘unruly passengers’ have decreased so far in 2022
Delta asked U.S. officials for permission to place airline passengers convicted on-board of disruptive behavior or “unruly” behavior on a national “no fly” list.
The Delta CEO Edward Bastian wrote a letter to U.S. attorney General Merrick Garland, obtained by FOX Business. He appealed for federal authorities to assist the “reclaim” situation in which consumers were unable to fly after prolonged restrictions during the pandemic.
Delta already placed nearly 1,900 people on a “no fly” private list for not complying with masking requirements. 900 of those people were submitted to the TSA to receive civil penalties. Bastian asked the AG to create an official master list to ban anyone convicted for on-board disruption from flying on any commercial airline.
Bastian wrote, “This action will help to prevent future incidents” and would serve as a strong symbol for the consequences of crew members not following instructions on commercial aircraft. “Delta along with our industry partners at Airlines for America has advocated since last year for increased reporting, investigation, and prosecution of those who interfer with on-board safety.
The letter listed a number of actions the airline had already taken, including an expanded safety risk assessment, de-escalation training and self-defense training, as well as increased airport security.
Bastian stressed that the country needs a “no fly” list. Bastian claimed that Delta flight incidents with disruptive passengers have increased by nearly 100% since the outbreak.
Bastian stated, “We fully support the use of the full force and law in these instances,” Bastian said.
These numbers would have decreased in 2022, with reports of unruly passengers falling 50% from 2021. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ).
About 43 of the 76 reports received during the first two weeks this year were related to masking problems.
On Oct. 8, President Biden directed the Justice Department “to deal” with the increasing number of violent incidents aboard planes.