Airlines for America, a group representing U.S. airlines and aviation unions, requested the Justice Department prosecute unruly passengers in a letter Monday.
The letter, addressed to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, calls on the Department of Justice to “commit to the full and public prosecution of onboard acts of violence.” The letter argues that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the regulatory body currently imposing civil penalties on violent passengers, has not been effectively deterring unruly behavior.
“We ask that more be done to deter egregious behavior, which is in violation of federal law and crew member instruction,” the letter said. “Specifically, the federal government should send a strong and consistent message through criminal enforcement that compliance with federal law and upholding aviation safety are of paramount importance.”
A4A joined @ALPAPilots, @AlliedPilots, @afa_cwa, @APFAunity, @CAPApilots, @RAAtweets, @swapapilots, @transportworker & others in a letter to @TheJusticeDept Attorney General to urge for swift prosecution for cases of unruly passenger behavior. https://t.co/32uhDAktqy
— Airlines for America (@AirlinesDotOrg) June 21, 2021
The FAA’s Administrator Steve Dickson had attempted to address the problem of airline violence in January, instituting stricter punishments for unruly passengers, including fines up to $35,000 and even imprisonment. While Airlines for America applauded these efforts, it viewed them as insufficient.- READ MORE
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