France to fine unruly air passengers €20,000

Passengers could also face four-year flight bans

The change comes after Decree No. 2025-1063 entered into effect in French law on 8 November and outlines how unruly passengers in French airspace are to be dealt with.

Details of the new law were outlined in a communication released by the French government titled Disruptive air passengers [in French].

The document detailed that the Direction générale de l'aviation civile (DGAC), France's civil aviation authority, can now issue fines to disruptive passengers of €10,000 (£8,800) or €20,000 (£17,600) for repeat offenders.

Behaviours and actions deemed as in violation of this new law are as follows:

• Using electronic devices during parts of the flight when it has been forbidden by the pilot or cabin crew.
• Prohibiting the flight crew to carry out safety procedures.
• Refusal to comply with safety instructions issued by the flight crew.

The decision to take action comes as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed that an incident of this type happened on one in every 395 flight in 2024.

Meanwhile in Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revealed there are between 200 and 500 monthly incidents concerning passenger behaviour.

French transport minister, Phillippe Tabarot, said: "The security of passengers and crews is our absolute priority.

"Disruptive passenger behaviour on aircraft is not acceptable.

"It jeopardises the security of the flight and compromises the working conditions of crew on board.

"With this decree, we are giving ourselves the means to take action in a fast, fair and proportionate manner.

"This new law highlights a clear signal: Disruptive behaviour will no longer be tolerated and will be the subject of effective legal sanctions."