Why Are Air rage incidents on aircrafts on a rise? An Avgeek Parikh analysis

On the 14th of January 2024, A video went viral of a man slapping a pilot on a delayed Indigo flight. The incident occurred on a Delhi to Goa flight which was delayed by 13 hours where a young man decided to slap the captain after being fed up with the long waiting hours. This Incident sparked a frenzy on social media with some understandably pointing out the unruly behavior from the passenger and some blaming the airline management.

As a frequent traveler, these incidents and several others made me wonder why there has been a sudden rise in Air rage incidents post covid and who is at fault.

Who is at fault here?

While one may be quick to assume the fact that the passenger is clearly at fault here which is quite an understandable stance, the case is much deeper than one thinks.

According to eyewitnesses on the same flight, the airline had apparently delayed the flight for over 10 hours without prior notice to passengers and they weren't provided food or water. Understanding that the winters are extremely infamous for the fog at Delhi which has affected numerous flights, the airline may not be completely at fault here. However, it is the manner in which the airline handled the issue which is concerning. Any sane human would be angry if they are avoided basic necessities and are stranded on an airport with looming uncertainty. Airlines should understand that although delays may be inevitable in certain situations, basic necessities shall be provided to passengers to ease them.

On the other hand, passengers shall also understand that violence is not the option. As a fellow frequent Traveller, I can totally understand how frustrating long delays can be, having waited almost 10 hours at Heathrow due to a missed connection back in 2022, however I also believe resorting to violence is not the solution since not only it's not improving the current situation, but it can also land one into murky waters.

Understanding post-Covid flying dynamics

As we all are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the aviation industry to a standstill with virtually no one flying and travelling, airports fell like ghost towns and planes, that would otherwise be packed, were empty. However, airlines and airports were not prepared for what was about to come in the post covid times. People, with the looming uncertainty of another pandemic or spike, started to travel more than ever. 2022 saw record numbers, in terms of passenger numbers, in some airline and airports history. This was the perfect recipe for chaos since airports and airlines were not prepared for such a passenger turnout. Lost luggage, delayed/cancelled flights, no seats available, massive lines at airports etc. were all regular occurrences for a traveler travelling in 2022 and early 2023. Seeing such incidents and massive delays and also being overwhelmed by seeing such large crowds of people, some passengers start to have anxiety and a feeling of uncertainty which fuels one's rage and anger which leads to such situations.

Are there other reasons?

As with the abovementioned Indigo incident, weather disruption and aircraft issues may also be a spark for prolonged delays. Although these situations are inevitable and delays are done for the safety and wellbeing of passengers, it is the way airlines manage it that makes it even more alarming. As mentioned early on, During the infamous Delhi fog season where many flights to prolonged hours of delay, there were several instances of people who reported that airlines mistreated its passenger and provided no food or water during such long waiting periods. Understandably, this boils down to rage and people start losing their cool,

Alcohol sometimes may also have a part in increasing air rage incidents especially on international flights due to the obvious effects of alcohol consumption plus adding fuel to fire are such situation either on board or on the ground which leads to acts of violence.

What can be done?

As I pointed out earlier, Airlines have a lot to learn from such Incidents. Although delays may not be their fault, it is how they handle that's concerning. Airlines should be a little more understanding of passengers and provide basic necessities like food and water and in some situations refunds and hotels for longer delays. They should also adhere to DGCA's protocol for delayed flights.

To all the fellow passengers, I understand it can be tough in such situations, but we need to act calmly and not resort to such acts of violence. Being angry, shouting and violence is not going to improve the current situation but instead may prove to be a wrong move for one's own self. We should try to resolve such matters in a calm and professional manner and be cool minded while travelling as you never know! I hope this helps to make your future journey better and more manageable.

Happy travelling!