November 20, 2025, 3:55 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Rowdy or disruptive passengers on airplanes regularly make headlines. In France, such aggressive behavior now has consequences. The government has introduced significantly tougher penalties for unruly passengers.
Still using a phone when electronic devices should be off for takeoff or landing, ignoring crew safety instructions, or obstructing the work of the flight crew. Passengers repeatedly disrupt flights—according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), there are between 200 and 500 incidents per month in Europe. In France, this now has consequences. The government is cracking down on disruptive passengers. A corresponding decree has been in effect since early November. The French Ministry of Transport states that inappropriate behavior on board aircraft poses a growing threat to flight safety, passenger comfort, and crew working conditions.
Fines and Flight Bans Possible
The French decree sets fines of up to 10,000 euros—for repeated offenses, even 20,000 euros. The fine can be imposed if passengers commit the following violations:
- Obstructing the performance of the flight crew’s safety duties
- Using electronic devices when their use is prohibited or restricted
- Refusing to follow crew safety instructions
According to the French Ministry of Transport, in severe cases, a transport ban of up to four years can be imposed. There will be gradations of sanctions depending on the severity of the violations, ensuring a proportionate and appropriate response to each situation.
A special database has been set up for the new sanctions. French airlines can report misconduct in this database, and the French civil aviation authority will then review the information.
Disruptive Behavior Will Not Be Tolerated
The new regulations apply to all flights operated by airlines with an operating license issued by France. Affected passengers have a one-month period to submit a statement. After thorough examination and evaluation, a decision will be made for or against a sanction procedure.
France’s transport minister states in a statement on the ministry’s website that the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority. Disruptive behavior on board aircraft is unacceptable as it endangers flight safety and affects the working conditions of the flight crew. With the introduction of the new decree, the conditions for swift, fair, and proportionate enforcement are created. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, according to the transport minister.
He also points out that in severe violations, prosecution is possible, which can lead to up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.