New Delhi: Passengers playing loud music inside the flight without using earphones might have to face legal action, the Centre has warned. It said that the action would be taken against unruly passengers.

Recently, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, while replying to a question from Namakkal MP VS Matheswaran in Lok Sabha, said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has a s provisions under the Aircraft Rules, 1937. Even as there is no separate rule for loud music, the same may invite action by the authorities if it causes disturbances to other passengers.

What DGCA provision says

Notably, under the DGCA provision, the airline may refuse to carry or remove a passenger if the person’s behaviour is uncivilised. Among other rules, the pilot of the flight has the power to restrain anyone whose action is found to be inappropriate. Also, penalties are applicable for violators of the Aircraft Rules.

Issuing clarification further, the minister said that soft tunes played by the aircraft during the time of boarding or does not come under this rules. Airlines sharing contents through the in-flight entertainment system is allowed. However, if a person is playing music in high volume and not using earphone can invite action against the passenger.

Statement comes amid growing expectations of passengers

He further added that rules regarding restrictions of photography and videography remain affected in the airport as well as inside airlines without any permission taken earlier. The statement by the minister has come at a time amid growing expectations of respectful behaviour during air travel. Overall, the message is clear that passengers playing music at high volume can be treated as unruly behaviour under inviting tough actions.