#NotOnMyFlight campaign sees growing support from aviation and public sector partners.
As the busy June bank holiday weekend approaches, traditionally one of the busiest periods for Irish airports, key aviation and public sector stakeholders are reaffirming their shared commitment to tackling disruptive passenger behaviour through the ongoing #NotOnMyFlight campaign. The initiative, which launched last year, continues to gain momentum across the aviation industry as it works collectively to ensure safe, respectful, and enjoyable air travel for all. Since 2024 the campaign has expanded to include Fórsa, Ireland’s largest aviation union, and the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA), both of whom have formally signed the industry’s Joint Declaration on Unruly Passenger Behaviour. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition that disruptive conduct on flights and in airports is a shared challenge requiring a united response.
While the vast majority of passengers travel responsibly, there has been a continued rise in industry reports to the Irish Aviation Authority; a trend that has seen year-on-year increases as airlines have encouraged crews to increase the reporting of unruly behaviour. Statistics from An Garda Síochána show that in 2025 to date, there have already been over 30 incidents of disruptive passenger behaviour reported to Dublin Airport Garda station; this represents an almost 80% increase in comparison to the entire of 2024. This is on the back of a 50% increase in incidents of disruptive passenger behaviour reported to Dublin Airport Garda station in 2024 – when compared to 2023. The three most common incidents in 2025 so far have been “offensive behaviour onboard aircraft”, “obstructs/assaults an authorised officer” and “intoxicated onboard aircraft”.
As highlighted in this week’s episode of Crimecall, unruly actions, including verbal abuse, intoxication, and failure to follow crew instructions, pose a threat not only to safety but also to the wellbeing of passengers and frontline staff. Industry partners continue to meet regularly and are actively working together on practical interventions, including enforcement measures, improved crew training, and enhanced communication to passengers. Over half a million passengers are expected to travel through Irish airports this coming bank holiday weekend. Aviation industry leaders are encouraging travellers to be patient, cooperative, and mindful of those around them.
Ryanair’s Chief Risk Officer, Carol Sharkey, said, “Ryanair is pleased to support the Irish aviation industry’s #NotOnMyFlight campaign to tackle disruptive passenger behaviour. The safety and wellbeing of our crew and passengers is Ryanair’s No.1 priority, and we will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána, the IAA, Irish Airports and the wider aviation industry to eradicate all forms of disruptive passenger behaviour in airports and onboard our aircraft.”
Paul Cleary, Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region An Garda Síochána, said, “There is no excuse for anti-social or disruptive behaviour. As highlighted in this week’s episode of Crimecall, incidents of unruly conduct in airports and on planes can have serious consequences for both passengers and staff. It can be a frightening experience that endangers passengers and crew, while it can also mean delayed flights and missed connections. Over the past year, we have been working with our aviation partners under a joint declaration to address disruptive and dangerous behaviour, and we remain very committed to that. While the majority of people travel respectfully, An Garda Síochána is prepared to act where necessary to ensure a safe and secure environment for all who travel through our airports.”
According to the CEO of daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, Kenny Jacobs who said, ”We’ve great passengers at Dublin and Cork airports, but like every airport in the world there’s sometimes a few bad eggs whose behaviour impacts everyone. We want our airports to be enjoyable and stress-free for passengers and it’s important that the sector works together to tackle the issue of unruly and dangerous behaviour. Everyone needs to play their part and daa will continue to work closely with our Airport Police teams, our airline partners and An Garda Síochána to ensure unruly passengers are dealt with and our airports are safe and enjoyable places for all.”
Donal Moriarty, Aer Lingus Chief Corporate Affairs Officer: “At Aer Lingus we put safety First. There’s nothing more important. This is why we ask our customers to give their full attention during the safety announcement and demonstration before departure that reminds all passengers to follow crew instructions, refrain from smoking or vaping onboard, and avoid consuming alcohol purchased in the airport while on the flight. In rare cases of unruly behaviour onboard, our crew is highly trained to manage such situations with professionalism and care, but in extreme circumstances, we may need to involve police. Aer Lingus proudly supports the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) #NotOnMyFlight campaign, an industry-wide initiative aimed at combating disruptive passenger behaviour in airports and on flights.”
The Chief Operations Officer at the Irish Aviation Authority, Jim Gavin said, “The #NotOnMyFlight campaign continues to reflect our strong commitment to supporting frontline airport staff, flight and cabin crew, and to safeguarding passengers by making it clear that unruly passenger behaviour will not be tolerated. We’re encouraged by the progress made over the past year and welcome the support of Fórsa and IALPA, whose frontline perspectives are important. As we head into one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, we’re reminding all passengers travelling through Irish airports that respectful behaviour is not just expected – it’s essential to ensuring a safe and positive flying experience for everyone.”
Fórsa’s National Secretary, Katie Morgan said, “Fórsa is fully supportive of the #NotOnMyFlight campaign. Our members in airlines and airports are often the first responders to unruly passenger behaviour. As a trade union, the potential risk of unruly passenger behaviour to the health and safety of our members is a crucial matter of concern. We’ve seen first-hand the effect that some unruly passenger behaviour has had on our members. Aviation workers have a right to a safe working environment and to be treated with dignity and respect. They prioritise the travelling public’s safety, and this campaign helps prioritise their safety.”
Captain Daniel Langan, IALPA Vice President, said, “Unruly passengers diminish safety both in the cabin and the flight deck by increasing the workload of pilots and crew. Sometimes this results in the pilot having to decide to divert the aircraft and deliver the unruly passenger into police custody.
Under international law, the sole person to deal with unruly passengers onboard an aircraft is the Captain, a responsibility we take very seriously for the safety of our crew and our passengers. Pilots welcome the #NotOnMyFlight campaign, and the focus on safety in the lead up to the busy travel period ahead.”
The #NotOnMyFlight campaign continues to emphasise the following objectives:
- Ensuring passengers are aware of the serious consequences of unruly behaviour
- Supporting airport and airline staff through training and policy
- Facilitating enforcement, including bans and prosecutions where necessary
- Enhancing communication across the passenger journey
The Irish aviation industry remains united in its mission to ensure that travel through Irish airports and aboard Irish-registered aircraft remains safe, enjoyable, and free from disruption.
Signatories to the declaration:
• Aer Lingus
• AirNav Ireland
• An Garda Síochána
• CityJet
• Cork Airport
• Donegal Airport
• Dublin Airport
• EASA
• Emerald Airlines
• Fly4 Airlines
• Fórsa
• Hibernian Airlines
• IALPA
• IATA
• Ireland West Airport
• Irish Aviation Authority
• Kerry Airport
• Ryanair
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines
• Shannon Airport
• Sky Handling Partner
• Swissport
