Airport ban on rowdy holidaymakers

11:22am Friday 20th July 2007

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POLICE at Manchester Airport will ban rowdy passengers who threaten staff and customers through drunken, anti-social or violent behaviour.

They have joined forces with the Crown Prosecution Service and UK airlines to operate a zero tolerance approach, either in-flight or on the ground prior to boarding.

Manchester Airport commander, Superintendent Peter Turner, said: "The police are here to support the air industry to ensure the airport runs smoothly, and we will deal firmly with anyone causing disruption.

"We have procedures in place with airlines to ensure that any passengers causing trouble are dealt with robustly, and this could mean offenders being arrested or given fixed penalty notices."

He added: "Depending on the level of disruption, the airline could refuse permission to fly, and in the most serious cases passengers may be banned from flying with the airline in future."

Passengers are having to queue longer for flights at present due to increased security measures, causing some people to feel more stress. Another factor contributing to increased stress is the recently introduced smoking ban.

Airlines are therefore advising passengers to arrive in plenty of time for their flights, and are warning those who are drunk prior to boarding that they could be refused permission to fly.

Manchester Airport's Head of Security, Mike Fazackerley, added: "The safety and security of our passengers is our most important priority and Manchester Airport, like every other airport in the UK, has had to increase its restrictions and checks on passengers because of the ever-present threat of terrorism."

Almost 250,000 passengers are expected to fly in and out of Manchester Airport between Friday, July 20 and Sunday, July 22, with a similar number expected the following weekend.

This new, zero-tolerance initiative has been timed to target one of the busiest times of the year at Manchester Airport, when millions of holidaymakers jet off for their summer break.