Reports of disruptive passengers on Swedish flights have surged by over 600% in five years, prompting concerns about flight safety. Incidents often involve alcohol, refusal to follow safety instructions, and social misconduct. Authorities are collaborating with airlines and airport services to address the issue and ensure a safe travel environment.
Surge in Unruly Passenger Incidents on Swedish Flights Raises Safety Concerns
Surge in Unruly Passenger Incidents on Swedish Flights Raises Safety Concerns
Disruptive passengers are becoming increasingly common on Swedish flights, with reports rising by over 600% in five years.
In early August, a TUI flight bound for Stockholm had to make an unscheduled stop in Spain due to a woman's unruly behavior. Witnesses reported she smelled of alcohol and became violent, pulling another passenger's hair.
This is just one of several similar incidents on Swedish flights in recent years.
"We see a clear trend in the statistics: passengers are not following instructions," says Johan Westin, an aviation inspector at the Swedish Transport Agency and former pilot.
He himself had to make an emergency landing in Germany after two passengers fought.
"It's unpleasant, but you have to deal with it," he says.
600% Increase in Reports
Statistics from the agency show that reported incidents involving "disruptive passengers" on Swedish passenger flights have increased by nearly 630% over five years.
In 2020, 69 such incidents were reported, and by 2024, the number had risen to 503. Up until May this year, 142 reports have been filed.
Incidents often involve passengers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, refusing to follow safety instructions (such as using seat belts or turning off electronics), verbally or physically confronting others, and making threats or engaging in sexual harassment.
"There are also more flight safety-related and dangerous incidents where passengers might start damaging something onboard, attempt to enter the cockpit, or open emergency exits," says Johan Westin.
The Swedish Transport Agency only collects statistics, while airlines investigate and handle the incidents, which can sometimes lead to police reports.
"It's About Social Codes"
Johan Westin believes the increase has several causes. One is the variety of ticket categories and rules among different airlines, which can create confusion and irritation among travelers.
"You buy your ticket and might not understand that you can only bring carry-on luggage under the seat. In Europe, efforts are being made to unify these rules to make travel easier," he says.
However, the main explanation is that many people don't know how to behave socially.
"It's about the social code, how we behave towards each other in society. We see a very clear trend here. People think disruptive passengers are due to alcohol, and that's a significant factor, but about 40% of incidents are alcohol-related; the rest are about being socially disruptive and not following instructions," says Johan Westin.
Have people become worse at following social rules?
"Yes, I think so."
Potential Threat to Flight Safety
The Swedish Transport Agency has assembled a working group with all Swedish airlines, restaurants and shops at airports, unions, police, and airport staff. The aim is to develop measures to reduce the problem.
Ultimately, flight safety is affected, says Johan Westin, and the issue concerns the entire travel process, from check-in and security control to boarding.
"It's serious that a negative trend is increasing. We don't want any problems with flight safety; we want both employees and travelers to have a pleasant workplace and journey. It's not that flight safety is seriously threatened, but it's something we need to address. We want to be able to evacuate an aircraft in 90 seconds," says Johan Westin.
Why are these passengers allowed onboard?
"That's the main question we're trying to investigate. We don't want these people onboard. Perhaps better information, campaigns, or clearer rules are needed."