Transport minister Robert Goodwill has urged the aviation industry to work harder to combat the problem of disruptive passengers, particularly those who have drunk too alcohol.
Goodwill told the AOA aviation conference in London: “Several airlines have recently written to government expressing their growing concern about the problem.”
He said that one airline had reported more than 360 incidents of disruptive passengers during this summer.
“The knock-on effects of flight disruption affect the whole industry, airports included,” added Goodwill.
“There’s little chance that a drunken passenger could pose a threat to the plane itself but some have tried.
“Last week, a passenger on a British Airways flight was reported as having attempted to force open an exit door while mid-Atlantic. She was restrained and arrested on landing, but the incident caused distress to her fellow passengers.”
Goodwill said it was time that airlines looked at “their approach” to serving alcohol onboard.
“Jet2 has begun a campaign they call Onboard Together, which seeks to educate passengers and empower their crew,” he added.
“The government must make sure that enforcement is effective. We don’t want to stop passengers enjoying themselves or prevent people from flying but we do want people to put a break on before things get out of hand.”
Several UK airports have taken measures to tackle the problem of passengers consuming too much alcohol before their flights.
Glasgow and Manchester airports have been trialling the sale of duty free alcohol in sealed bags. While Edinburgh has formed a partnership with police who now “maintain a visual presence around bar areas”.
“I hope we can agree on the need to keep talking about this - to each other, and to passengers,” said Goodwill.
“Our aim should be to ensure that flying is a safe and enjoyable experience for all travellers, and that flying doesn’t end badly for the careless few.”