As of July 30, 2025, the Indian government has placed 48 air passengers on the 'no-fly list' this year. This action is a part of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) efforts to address and deter disruptive conduct on flights, ensuring aviation safety and order.
The bans vary in duration, ranging from three months to two years or more, depending on the severity of the misconduct. The DGCA categorizes unruly passengers into three levels based on their actions onboard an aircraft. Level 1 includes verbal harassment or inappropriate behavior, leading to a ban of up to three months. Level 2 covers physically abusive behavior and can result in a six-month ban. Level 3 includes life-threatening or severely hazardous actions, carrying a minimum ban of two years, possibly extending indefinitely.
In the past five years, India has placed 379 passengers on the 'No Fly List'. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol shared data indicating that 10 passengers were placed on the list in 2020, 66 in 2021, 63 in 2022, 110 in 2023, and 82 in 2024. The highest number of bans was recorded in 2023, with 110 passengers barred from flying.
Recent incidents contributing to these bans include a passenger banned for assaulting a co-traveler and a senior military officer facing legal action for allegedly assaulting airline employees. Both parties have filed complaints against each other. Airlines are required to notify the civil aviation ministry and request appropriate action in response to such incidents.
The Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) outlines the procedures for handling unruly or disruptive passengers. Once a passenger is reported for misconduct, the airline must form an internal committee to examine the evidence and decide on the appropriate penalty level. The process is governed by timelines, and individuals added to the no-fly list have the right to appeal within 60 days from the order date.
While the Ministry has not revealed the identities or specific conduct of offenders, reports suggest many cases involve alcohol-induced aggression, refusal to follow crew instructions, verbal abuse, and sometimes assault or threats to safety. The 'no-fly list' is centrally maintained and enforced across all Indian carriers.
