FAA chief says there’s been a ‘disturbing increase’ in passenger disruptions on flights

The head of the FAA said Thursday there has been an unsettling rise in disruptions on commercial flights in recent days, prompting the regulatory agency to issue a stricter enforcement policy. “Really over the last few days, we have seen a distributing increase in onboard incidents where airline passengers have disrupted flights with their behavior,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. He said the episodes have stemmed partly from flyers failing to comply with face-mask policies, which have been implemented during the coronavirus pandemic, and also in the wake of the deadly, pro-Trump riot at the US Capitol last week. The FAA’s new enforcement policy comes as airlines and airports are enhancing security ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration next week. Dickson said his new FAA order will temporarily bolster its long-standing approach to flight disruptions. Instead of issuing warnings or counseling, the FAA intends to pursue legal action “against any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crew members,” according to a press release. The order is in place through March 30.<br/>