Unruly and disruptive passenger incidents on board flights can have serious consequences. Such incidents can include physical assault, harassment, smoking or failing to follow crew instructions. These incidents may compromise flight safety, cause significant delays and operational disruption and adversely impact the travel experience and work environment for passengers and crew.
To address this issue, the Montréal Protocol 2014 (MP14) was established. It is a global treaty that strengthens the powers of states to prosecute unruly passengers. MP14 closes a legal gap under the Tokyo Convention 1963, whereby jurisdiction over offenses committed on board international flights rests with the state where the aircraft is registered. This causes issues when unruly passengers are delivered to the authorities upon landing in foreign territories. About 60% of offenses go unpunished because of jurisdictional issues. MP14 strengthens the deterrent to unruly behavior by enabling prosecution in the state where the aircraft lands.
Tunisia has become the 47th party to ratify MP14, joining the ranks of countries worldwide that have committed to ensuring the safety and security of air travel. Tunisia joins other important aviation markets in Africa and the Middle East that have already ratified, including Angola, Bahrain, Botswana, Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda and UAE. Tunisia’s ratification of MP14 is a significant milestone in creating a safer and more secure environment for air travel worldwide. IATA continues to work with states to ratify MP14, which will enable uniform global guidelines for prosecuting unruly passengers and make air travel safer and enjoyable for everyone.
