The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has referred 43 cases of unruly passengers to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over the past year, bringing the total number of cases to over 310 since late 2021. This announcement comes as air travel experiences a surge in passenger numbers and an increase in disruptive incidents. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that there is no excuse for unruly behavior, as it poses a threat to the safety of everyone on board.
While the reported incidents have significantly dropped from nearly 6,000 in 2021 to 1,423 so far in 2024, the FAA maintains its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passengers. The agency established this policy in 2021 after a sharp rise in disruptive incidents, particularly related to passengers refusing to wear masks. Under the FAA’s authority, fines of up to $37,000 can be imposed on unruly passengers. However, only the FBI has jurisdiction to pursue criminal charges against disorderly passengers in the sky.
Of the 43 cases referred to the FBI, more than half involve physical or sexual assault against fellow passengers or crew members. The remaining cases involve aggressive or threatening behavior. Most of these incidents occurred in 2023, with only six reported this year. The FAA, in partnership with the FBI, refers the most severe cases for criminal prosecution review, based on the circumstances and evidence.
The FBI, while declining to comment on specific cases or their prosecution approach, stated that they pursue cases where the evidence is compelling enough to convince a jury of 12 to deliver a guilty verdict. The recent increase in viral airplane incidents documented by passengers has further intensified the scrutiny around stricter policies.
In July, former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis was filmed being escorted off a plane by FBI agents after a flight attendant accused him of hitting him. Davis claimed that he lightly tapped the attendant to request some ice. Following a review, United Airlines has since rescinded the ban it had imposed on Davis and issued an apology to him.
