The Federation Council is currently looking into a proposal to introduce a blacklist of airline passengers who have previously caused trouble on flights.
Alexander Torshin, vice speaker of the chamber, told Interfax that Russia should introduce a blacklist for passengers who have misbehaved aboard flights, similar to the blacklists that exist in the West for football hooligans.
"We need to combine a blacklist system with imposing tougher legislation
against hooliganism on board flights," Torshin added.
Torshin proposed a system in which a person who has been blacklisted has the right to appeal that decision in court to avoid situations where "two airline attendants simply did not like you and filed a complaint against you."
If implemented, the new legislation would see repeat offenders permanently barred from flying.
A new government proposal to ban all alcoholic products purchased in duty free shops on flights has also come under Torshin's scrutiny due to the fact that many people drink alcohol to cope with their fear of flying.
Torshin said there should be a balanced and humane approach coupled with improving service standards of airline attendants because there have been incidents when airline employees provoked aggressive behavior.
Reports of Russian passengers causing problems on flights are not uncommon. An early morning flight from Moscow to London last August was forced to turn back about 15 minutes after takeoff because of a 39-year-old drunken woman's erotic dancing.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
