FlySafair's problem passenger: SA Civil Aviation Authority hands report to law enforcers for investigation
The incident involves a female passenger who refused to comply with orders from the cabin crew on a flight from Durban to Cape Town.
A FlySafair aircraft. Picture: FlySafair
JOHANNESBURG - A report into the incident of an unruly passenger FlySafair Boxing Day flight has been handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed it handed over the report to authorities after receiving it from the airline.
The incident, which has been widely circulated on social media, involves a female passenger who refused to comply with orders from the cabin crew on a flight from Durban to Cape Town.
In terms of the Civil Aviation Act, unruly behaviour is a punishable offence that can lead to an imprisonment sentence of up to six months.
SACAA confirmed it handed over the report to authorities after receiving it from the airline.
The authority’s director, Poppy Khoza, explained the legal implications of unruly behaviour aboard a flight.
“The Civil Aviation Authority condemns the recent incident of unruly behaviour which was widely seen on social media. As the regulator for civil aviation in this country, we view this incident as serious and unacceptable as it sought to undermine and interfere with the duties of the crew.”
Khoza emphasised that in terms of the Civil Aviation Act, unruly behaviour is a punishable offence.
“In terms of section 135 of the Civil Aviation Act, unruly behaviour is a punishable offence that can lead to an imprisonment sentence of up to six months. Disobeying and interfering with orders from the cabin crew is in violation of civil aviation laws and carries a fine and jail sentence.”