Violence and abuse by passengers on flights are on the rise, sparking concerns among flight attendants about their safety at work. The warning comes after a British holidaymaker was arrested for allegedly attempting to kiss a male cabin crew member on an outbound flight from the UK last week. This incident occurred as British Airways cancelled a Barbados-bound flight due to some crew members being deemed unfit to fly.
The incidents highlight a broader issue in the aviation industry, with cabin crew reporting a significant increase in disruptive behaviour. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recorded a surge in reported 'air rage' incidents in 2021, exceeding the total for the previous three decades combined, particularly in the US. Although the UK does not collect specific numbers, government talks last month aimed at introducing a permanent, cross-airline ban on abusive passengers are underway.
A survey by Unite, representing over 30,000 cabin crew members, revealed concerning statistics regarding harassment. Among female respondents, 34% reported experiencing sexual assault at work – which includes ground staff – while 67% encountered unwanted flirting or remarks and 65% were subjected to sexually offensive jokes. The survey also found that 55% had been inappropriately touched, and 40% shown or shared pornographic images by colleagues or managers.
Cabin crew members point to the role of alcohol in incidents. Clara, a 26-year-old flight attendant with over two years' experience on low-budget airlines, notes that British passengers often start drinking heavily at airports, treating aircraft as venues for continuous consumption. She highlights stag parties and summer months as particularly prone to excessive drinking.
Harassment does not stop at the airport, either – flight attendants also report experiencing abuse while travelling to and from work due to their uniform. With new third-party harassment rules set to take effect in October, employers will face increased pressure to protect employees from this type of behaviour.