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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating an incident involving a passenger on an Air India flight who allegedly urinated on a co-passenger. This incident, which occurred on April 9, 2025, during Air India flight AI2336 from Delhi to Bangkok, has prompted the DGCA to consider imposing a longer ban and a fine on the accused, Tushar Masand. The incident involved Masand, an Indian citizen, who allegedly urinated on a senior official from Bridgestone India while the flight was descending. Air India has already placed Masand on its no-fly list for a month, and the DGCA is expected to ask other Indian airlines to impose a similar ban. This incident is the latest in a series of similar events involving unruly passenger behavior on Air India flights, raising serious concerns about passenger conduct and the protocols in place to manage such situations. The DGCA's involvement highlights the severity of the issue and the potential consequences for passengers who engage in disruptive behavior. The investigation aims to determine the facts of the case and whether Masand violated any regulations or guidelines. If found guilty, Masand could face a year-long flying ban and a significant fine, demonstrating the DGCA's commitment to maintaining order and safety on flights. This action is intended to send a clear message to passengers that such behavior will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences.
The DGCA's investigation into the Air India incident underscores the importance of addressing unruly passenger behavior in the aviation industry. The recurrence of such incidents on international flights from India is a cause for concern, prompting the DGCA to take decisive action. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the need to inform passengers that they cannot simply get away with such behavior. The official also questioned the effectiveness of the protocols being followed onboard flights, suggesting that a review of these protocols may be necessary to prevent future incidents. Air India has also launched its own internal investigation into the matter. The airline has established an independent three-member committee to conduct a thorough review of the incident and submit a detailed report to the DGCA. This internal investigation will likely examine the crew's response to the incident, the actions taken to address the situation, and any potential shortcomings in the airline's procedures. The DGCA will use Air India's report, along with its own investigation, to determine the appropriate course of action. Senior officials in the DGCA have indicated that they will announce further action by next week, after they have had the opportunity to review all the available information. This coordinated effort between the DGCA and Air India demonstrates a commitment to addressing the issue of unruly passenger behavior and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.
The incident involving Tushar Masand is not an isolated case. Previous incidents involving unruly passengers on Air India flights have raised serious concerns about the airline's ability to manage such situations. In November 2022, a passenger allegedly urinated on a woman co-passenger on an Air India flight from New York to Delhi. A similar incident was reported on a Paris-New Delhi flight ten days later, where a male passenger allegedly urinated on a female passenger's blanket. These incidents prompted the DGCA to take action against Air India, imposing a penalty of Rs 30 lakh for violating DGCA requirements. The pilot-in-command of the New York-New Delhi flight was also suspended, and Air India's Executive Director, in-flight services, was fined Rs 3 lakh for failing to discharge her duties. In June 2023, an Air India passenger on a Mumbai-Delhi flight was detained for allegedly defecating and urinating on the floor of the plane while midair. These repeated incidents have led to questions about the culture within Air India and the effectiveness of its procedures for managing unruly passengers. The DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) are working with Air India to identify the root causes of these incidents and develop solutions to prevent them from recurring. The government recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue, including stricter enforcement of regulations, improved training for cabin crew, and increased awareness among passengers about the consequences of unruly behavior.
The DGCA categorizes unruly behavior by passengers into three levels, each with its own set of protocols. Level 1 pertains to verbal abuse, level 2 involves physical assault or abuse, and level 3 deals with threats to aircraft safety. In Level 1 incidents, the crew is instructed to give a verbal warning to the passenger. In Level 2 incidents, the captain is required to issue a written warning. In Level 3 incidents, the unruly passenger may be physically restrained. These protocols are designed to provide a framework for cabin crew to manage unruly passenger behavior effectively. However, the effectiveness of these protocols has been called into question in light of the repeated incidents on Air India flights. The DGCA and MoCA are considering whether the existing protocols need to be revised or strengthened to better address the issue of unruly passenger behavior. This may involve providing additional training to cabin crew, implementing stricter penalties for unruly passengers, and increasing collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The goal is to create a safer and more secure environment for passengers and crew members on all flights. The current investigation into the Tushar Masand incident is an opportunity to review the existing protocols and make necessary improvements to prevent future incidents. The DGCA is committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers on all flights operating in India.
The broader implications of these incidents extend beyond Air India and the DGCA. They raise questions about the overall culture of passenger behavior on flights and the need for greater awareness of acceptable conduct. Airlines, airports, and aviation authorities all have a role to play in promoting responsible passenger behavior and preventing unruly incidents. This may involve increasing passenger education about the consequences of disruptive behavior, implementing stricter security measures at airports, and providing better support to cabin crew in managing unruly passengers. It is also important to address the underlying factors that contribute to unruly behavior, such as alcohol consumption, stress, and anxiety. Airlines may need to review their policies regarding alcohol service on flights and provide resources for passengers who are experiencing stress or anxiety. Ultimately, creating a safer and more respectful environment on flights requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders in the aviation industry. The DGCA's investigation into the Air India incident is a step in the right direction, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive and sustained effort is needed to address the root causes of unruly passenger behavior and ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members. The public's perception of air travel safety and comfort is also at stake, and addressing these concerns is crucial for the continued growth and success of the aviation industry.
Source: DGCA considering longer bans, fine after Air India places 'peegate' accused on 30 day no-fly list