Reports of disruptive passengers are becoming increasingly common on Swedish flights.
– It is serious that a negative trend is increasing. Ultimately, it is about flight safety, says Johan Westin, flight inspector.
In early August A TUI plane was forced On the way to Stockholm, I had a layover in Spain. A woman behaved so badly that the flight could not continue. The woman, who according to witnesses smelled of alcohol, became violent and pulled another passenger's hair.
It is just one of several similar incidents on Swedish flights in recent years.
– A clear trend can be seen in the statistics, and that is that passengers are not following instructions, says Johan Westin, flight inspector at The Swedish Transport Agency and former pilot.
He himself was forced to make a stopover in Germany after two passengers quarrelled.
– It's not nice, but you have to deal with it, he says.
Notifications are increasing
Statistics from the authority show that reported incidents involving ”disruptive passengers” on board Swedish passenger flights have been increasing in recent years.
In 2022, 178 such incidents were reported, and in 2024, 503 incidents. Up to May this year, 142 reports have been received. During the pandemic years of 2020-2022, the number of flights was lower, which could also have had an effect on the number of reports.
This could involve passengers who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, refuse to follow safety instructions (for example, to fasten their seatbelt or switch off electronic devices), verbally or physically confront others, and make threats or sexually harass.
– Then there are also more aviation security-related and dangerous incidents where passengers might start to destroy something on board, try to get into the cockpit, or open emergency exits, says Johan Westin.
The Swedish Transport Agency only collects statistics, and it is the airlines themselves that investigate and handle the incidents, which can in some cases be reported to the police.
”It's about social codes”
Johan Westin believes the increase has several causes. One is that there are currently different ticket categories and rules with different airlines, which can create confusion and irritation among travellers.
– You buy your ticket and you might not realise that you can only have hand luggage under the seat. In Europe, they're now trying to unify these rules to make travelling easier, he says.
But the primary explanation is that many don't know how to behave socially.
– It's about the social code, how we interact with each other in society. There we see a very clear trend. One might think that disruptive passengers are due to alcohol, and that's an important factor, but approximately 40 per cent of incidents are alcohol-related; the rest is about people being socially disruptive and not following instructions, says Johan Westin.
Have people become worse at following social rules?
Yes, I think so.
Can the aircraft safety be
The Swedish Transport Agency has assembled a working group with all Swedish airlines, airport restaurants and shops, trade unions, the police, and airport staff. The aim is to develop measures to reduce the problem.
Ultimately, flight safety is affected, argues Johan Wedin, and the problem concerns the entire travel process, from check-in and security checks to boarding.
"It's serious that a negative trend is increasing. We don't want any issues with flight safety, rather that both employees and travellers should have a pleasant workplace and journey. It's not the case that flight safety is seriously threatened, but it's something we need to get a grip on. We want to be able to evacuate an aircraft in 90 seconds, says Johan Westin.".
Why are these passengers being allowed on board?
– That's the main question, and what we're trying to investigate. We don't want these people on board. Then perhaps better information, campaigns or clearer rules are needed.
Source: Expressen.se
THE NOTIFICATIONS ARE INCREASING
Reported incidents with ”unruly passengers” for Swedish-registered aircraft. During the pandemic years 2020-2023, the number of air journeys was lower.
2020 69 incidents
2021 86 incidents
2022 178 incidents
2023 288 incidents
2024 503 incidents
2025 (until May) 142 incidents
Source: Swedish Transport Agency
