France’s New Aviation Laws: Tougher Penalties for Disruptive Air Passengers Effective November 2025

Published on November 20, 2025

To enhance passenger protection and improve their flying experience, France, with effect from 8 November 2025, is enforcing Decree No. 2025-1063, and is providing that disruptive behaviour on flights will incur stiffer penalties. Airspace users who engage in unsociable behaviour will face fines of up to €20 000 and up to four years of boarding bans. Authority to impose these sanctions is conferred to the French Civil Aviration Authority.

Disruptive behaviour on flights potentially endangers the safety of the flight and the members of the cabin crew, and there is a growing prevalence of such behaviour. This regulation is an indication of the increased effort being applied to ensure there is control of such unacceptable behaviour that thwarts the proper functioning of a flight and is intended to elicit a positive response on such behaviour from the ethicommunity.

What the New Regulation Covers

The Decree No. 2025-1063 outlines a clear set of offences that will now be subject to severe penalties. Among the actions deemed unacceptable are:

• Using electronic devices when instructed by the flight crew to switch them off.
• Obstructing the safety duties of the flight crew.
• Refusing to comply with safety instructions, including wearing seatbelts or following evacuation procedures.

For repeat offenders, the penalties will be even more severe, with higher fines and extended boarding bans. In the case of more serious incidents, such as violent or aggressive behavior, offenders may face multi-year bans from boarding any flights. The new regulation also establishes a centralized database, allowing French airlines to report incidents of disruptive behaviour to ensure consistent enforcement of penalties across the entire industry.

Industry Context: The Growing Problem of Disruptive Air Passengers

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), disruptive passenger incidents are expected to occur once every 395 flights by 2024. Meanwhile, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reports that there are between 200 to 500 such incidents per month across Europe. This increase in disruptive behavior has prompted the need for stricter regulations and more effective enforcement to ensure that the safety and comfort of passengers and crew are not compromised.

The new regulations come at a time when the aviation industry is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen fluctuations in passenger volume and a backlog of flight disruptions. As air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, airlines and aviation authorities are focusing on making the flight experience smoother and safer for everyone involved.

Philippe Tabarot, France’s Minister of Transport, Comments on the New Law

Philippe Tabarot, France’s Minister of Transport, emphasized the importance of addressing disruptive behavior in the air. He stated, “Disruptive behavior on board aircraft is unacceptable. It jeopardizes flight safety and compromises the working conditions of flight crews. This new framework sends a strong message: disruptive behavior will no longer be tolerated.”

The Minister’s comments underscore the growing urgency to take stronger actions against passengers whose behavior undermines safety protocols and the efficiency of flight operations. By introducing more stringent penalties, France aims to set a global example and improve the overall quality of air travel in the region.

Implications for Business Travelers and Frequent Flyers

For corporate travelers and frequent flyers, the new regulations underscore the importance of complying with flight crew instructions and maintaining respectful behavior throughout the flight. With airlines now empowered to enforce fines and bans swiftly, even minor infractions such as failing to switch devices to airplane mode or ignoring crew instructions could lead to serious consequences.

Business travelers, who often travel during peak times and need to adhere to strict schedules, will need to be especially cautious. The possibility of fines, extended bans, and disruption of their travel plans could have long-lasting effects on their professional commitments.

Moreover, as the airline industry continues to focus on the comfort of passengers, these regulations are designed not only to keep flights safe but also to protect the overall passenger experience. By implementing a clear and consistent framework for handling disruptive passengers, airlines and aviation authorities hope to restore a sense of normalcy and safety to the skies.

Enforcement and Future Developments

The new aviation law also introduces enhanced enforcement mechanisms to ensure that disruptive passengers are held accountable for their actions. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) will oversee the application of these fines and bans, coordinating with airlines to ensure that passengers who engage in harmful behavior are reported and penalized consistently.

As for the future, the French government and aviation authorities are likely to keep monitoring the situation, adjusting penalties and enforcement methods based on the evolving nature of air travel. Increased global cooperation may also occur, with airlines across Europe and internationally aligning their regulations to improve the overall safety and passenger experience.

Conclusion: A Positive Step for Flight Safety and Passenger Comfort

With these updated regulations, France is taking a proactive step in ensuring the safety, comfort, and respect for all passengers traveling within its airspace. The stricter penalties for disruptive behavior not only aim to deter future incidents but also reinforce the country’s commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience for everyone. Whether flying for business or leisure, travelers must be mindful of the rules to ensure a smooth and safe journey.