Swiss airlines had to deal with more unruly passengers than ever before last year: 795 incidents occurred with people endangering other passengers and the flight itself.
“The consumption of alcohol, drugs or medication is by far the most common cause of obstinate and unmanageable passengers,” said Karin Müller, a spokeswoman for Swiss International Air Lines.
Helvetic Airlines and Edelweiss also reported problems, for example ignored safety instructions, verbal confrontations with flight attendants, smoking in the lavatories and drinking alcohol that passengers had brought onto the plane themselves. In addition, arguments between passengers, for example over hand luggage, continued to cause headaches for the cabin crew.
In December, the pilot of a passenger jet destined for Zurich made an unscheduled stop at Stuttgart airport because a Swiss passenger had become aggressive after being denied champagne.
German police said crew members were unable to calm the 44-year-old business class passenger, who was angered by their refusal to serve her more sparkling wine on the flight from Moscow. The woman was escorted off the Airbus A320 and ordered to pay €5,000 (CHF5,770).
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Ticketless seven-year-old sneaks onto plane at Geneva Airport
This content was published on
A runaway seven-year-old girl slipped through security checks at Geneva Airport and onto a plane without a ticket before being spotted.
Indian man sentenced over Geneva airport bomb hoax
This content was published on
According to the Swiss News Agency ATS, the Geneva public prosecutor delivered the sentence at a hearing after finding the accused guilty of “causing fear and alarm among the population”. The passenger was late for his flight and his actions were a delaying tactic, stated ATS. However, as he was convicted by a final summary…
Bringing a gun onto a plane could soon mean jail time
This content was published on
The cabinet has recommended a revision to the federal aviation law, which would tighten security restrictions at the nation’s airports.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.