In 2024 Fórsa and IALPA both signed the Joint declaration on unruly passenger behaviour in airports and on aircraft. Since that initiative, the Irish Aviation Authority has convened regular meetings of a coalition determined to combat disruptive and criminal acts in airports and on aircraft.

The most recent meeting took place on Thursday 23rd October, hosted in Fórsa’s head office. At the meeting, the IAA, airline operators and An Garda Siochána presented on the ongoing efforts to tackle unruly passenger behaviour in Ireland.

The presentations underlined that there is a clear need to enhance preventive measures to avoid unruly passengers boarding aircraft, as well as a need for continued focus on training, so that staff can enhance their skills and be empowered to de-escalate all sorts of challenges from vaping to mental health incidents.

Overall, unruly passenger reports numbers for 2025 to date are tracking similar to 2023 and 2024, when factoring in the advanced reporting measures, which is considered positive and a result of work to raise awareness about the consequences of unruly behaviour and the importance of accurate reporting. 

The objectives of the awareness raising campaign running throughout 2025 include: building an understanding of the industry’s work to combat unruly behaviour, advancing the safety of staff and passengers, and educating the public about unruly behaviour in a bid to deter this behaviour.

Head of Fórsa’s Services and Enterprises division Katie Morgan explained why the union is involved: “It’s vital that we are part of this joint initiative. Staff are the first responders to so many issues faced by passengers, and their safety is paramount.

“As a trade union, the potential risk to the health and safety of our members is a crucial matter of concern. We’re delighted SIPTU, who represent ground staff, airport police, have come on board so that the voice of Irish aviation workers is strengthened at the table.” 

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