Unruly passengers, who smoke, refuse to switch off their phones, occupy seats by force or cause disturbances on aircraft, will face fines of up to 50,000 yuan, according to a new draft amendment to the Civil Aviation Law issued Monday by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Aiming to enhance aviation safety, the draft amendment stipulates as many as 14 types of bad behaviors at airports or on planes that may endanger the civil aviation safety and disturb order, which will be subjected financial penalties of up to 50,000 yuan - much higher than the present penalties of only 500 yuan.
The violations include hijacking planes, kidnapping passengers, breaking into aircraft or airports, bring weapons on board or other dangerous items, using mobile phones, smoking, occupying seats or luggage by force, opening emergency exits, blocking service counters or security check passages and gates, attacking or assaulting crew and ground staff and fighting on planes.
Those who obstruct crew members from their duties or cause disturbances by filing false reports on dangerous goods will also be subjected to the same penalty.
Besides imposing heavier penalties on those unruly passengers, the new law has also revised articles to urge the aviation companies to shoulder more responsibility in ensuring flights safety and protect passengers' interests. Airlines and airports must set up a sound management system to prevent and minimize civil aviation accidents.
When flights are delayed, the aviation sectors should inform passengers timely and provide related services. Meanwhile, the general aviation companies are encouraged to buy insurance for passengers to secure their interests.