With the increase in aggressive and disrespectful behaviour by some passengers, airport staff are facing an increasingly tense reality. Security guards, ground handling assistants, retail and catering staff are all exposed to an upsurge in incivilities on the part of unruly or violent passengers, often referred to as “PAXI”.
Increasingly frequent incidents, ranging from simple rudeness to physical aggression
These behaviours range from verbal aggression to death threats and even physical assault, creating a climate of tension that impacts the well-being and safety of our teams on a daily basis.
The whole travel chain is under strain. Between stress, alcohol and sometimes drug use, some PAXIs accumulate provocations on the ground and disruptions in flight. Hence the importance of anticipating these aggressive behaviours as early as possible, to reduce the risk of incidents for crews, other passengers and, more generally, air traffic.
An unprecedented mobilisation to counter aggressive behaviour
Faced with this worrying situation, the Chambre Syndicale de l’Assistance en Escale (CSAE) has taken the lead by launching a concerted initiative to protect airport professionals. In collaboration with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), a working group bringing together all the stakeholders – airlines, airports, service providers and security authorities – has been set up. Their mission: to identify concrete solutions to curb this dangerous trend.
Among the measures envisaged are the introduction of awareness-raising campaigns to remind staff on the ground and in the air of the rules of respect, and a strengthening of existing legislation. Stricter penalties, such as fines, temporary flight bans or legal proceedings, are being considered to make PAXI more accountable. Better coordination with law enforcement agencies is also planned to enable a faster response in the event of a serious security threat.
Hope for a safer working environment
Thanks to the joint action of the DGAC and CSAE, airport professionals are hoping to regain a more respectful and secure working environment. The conclusions of this think tank, expected in the next few months, should provide solutions aimed at guaranteeing calm working conditions for those on the front line in the face of aggressive passenger behaviour.
This initiative represents a crucial step towards restoring a climate of respect and security within airports, protecting the integrity of employees and the peace of mind of travellers.