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The Hindu Editorial • February 20, 2026 • Read Original

Overreach during flight: On the DGCA and passenger ban rules

Disruptive behaviour must not be confused with airing of grievances

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The Hindu Read Original
8 min read

Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on February 20, 2026

Overreach during flight: On the DGCA and passenger ban rules

Disruptive behaviour must not be confused with airing of grievances

DGCAAviation RulesPassenger BanFlight SafetyUnruly Behaviour
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 16
English Original

A disturbing phenomenon in aviation is unruly passenger behaviour.

Simple Present S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
A disturbing phenomenon in aviation
A worrying trend or event happening in the flight industry
Verb What is happening
is
Describes what the phenomenon currently is
Complement Completes meaning
unruly passenger behaviour
Bad or wild behavior by people traveling on planes
Sentence 2 of 16
English Original

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has pointed out that in 2023, there was one incident for every 480 flights, from one for every 568 flights in 2022.

Present Perfect S + V + O Main Clause + Subordinate Noun Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The global group that represents most airlines
Verb What is happening
has pointed out
Has shown or highlighted through data
Object What receives action
that in 2023, there was one incident for every 480 flights, from one for every 568 flights in 2022
That incidents increased from 1 in 568 flights in 2022 to 1 in 480 flights in 2023
Context and Background
International Air Transport Association (IATA)

IATA is a global trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 330 airlines or 80% of total air traffic. It supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.

Sentence 3 of 16
English Original

In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is proposing to amend rules such that airlines can directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days without referring the matter to the competent authority.

Present Continuous Adjunct + S + V + O Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In India
Specifically within the country of India
Subject Who/What
the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
the main government office that controls flight safety and rules in India
Verb What is happening
is proposing
is suggesting a plan or change
Object What receives action
to amend rules such that airlines can directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days without referring the matter to the competent authority
To change rules so airlines can ban people for 30 days themselves without asking a higher official first
Context and Background
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

The DGCA is the statutory body of the Government of India to regulate civil aviation in India. It primarily deals with safety issues and is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards.

Sentence 4 of 16
English Original

The DGCA has broadened the concept of unruly behaviour too with six new categories: smoking on board, consumption of alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorised use of life-saving equipment such as life jackets, engaging in protests or sloganeering, and unruly conduct arising from intoxication.

Present Perfect S + V + O + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The DGCA
The aviation regulator of India
Verb What is happening
has broadened
has made wider or more inclusive
Object What receives action
the concept of unruly behaviour
the idea of what counts as bad behavior by passengers
Adjunct Additional info
too
as well; also
Adjunct Additional info
with six new categories: smoking on board, consumption of alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorised use of life-saving equipment such as life jackets, engaging in protests or sloganeering, and unruly conduct arising from intoxication
By adding six specific types of bad behavior like smoking, drinking on local flights, and protesting
Sentence 5 of 16
English Original

Currently, airlines must report disruptive passengers to an independent committee, headed by a retired district and sessions judge, which will decide within 45 days whether to add them to the official no-fly list.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Currently
Right now, under the existing rules
Subject Who/What
airlines
Companies that operate planes like IndiGo or Air India
Verb What is happening
must report
Are required to officially inform
Object What receives action
disruptive passengers
people on the flight who cause trouble or break rules
Adjunct Additional info
to an independent committee, headed by a retired district and sessions judge, which will decide within 45 days whether to add them to the official no-fly list
To a separate group of people led by a former judge, who have 45 days to decide if the person should be banned from flying
Sentence 6 of 16
English Original

Unruly behaviour would now be monitored by airlines from the check-in counter although the focus is on the flight since such behaviour can impact passenger safety and comfort.

Conditional Passive S + V + Adjunct + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Concessive Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Unruly behaviour
Bad or disruptive actions by passengers
Verb What is happening
would now be monitored
will be watched or checked under the new plan
Adjunct Additional info
by airlines
by the companies that fly the planes
Adjunct Additional info
from the check-in counter
starting from the place where you get your boarding pass
Adjunct Additional info
although the focus is on the flight since such behaviour can impact passenger safety and comfort
even though the main concern is what happens on the plane because bad behavior can make travel dangerous or unpleasant
Sentence 7 of 16
English Original

It would seem tolerance levels are dipping with several incidents such as attempts to open emergency exits and accessing lifesaving equipment without reason.

Present Continuous S + V + C Main Clause + Subordinate Noun Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
It
The current situation
Verb What is happening
would seem
appears to be; looks like
Complement Completes meaning
tolerance levels are dipping with several incidents such as attempts to open emergency exits and accessing lifesaving equipment without reason
People are becoming less patient, as seen in many cases of people trying to open exits or touching life jackets for no reason
Sentence 8 of 16
English Original

Reports also cite passengers abusing crew and fellow travellers, and the loud chanting of prayers and bhajans.

Simple Present S + Adjunct + V + O Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Reports
News stories or official accounts of what happened
Adjunct Additional info
also
in addition to what was already mentioned
Verb What is happening
cite
give as an example or mention officially
Object What receives action
passengers abusing crew and fellow travellers, and the loud chanting of prayers and bhajans
cases where people are being mean to flight staff and other passengers, or singing religious songs very loudly
Sentence 9 of 16
English Original

The amendments seek to empower airlines and cabin crew act immediately, unlike before, when such behaviour was overshadowed by lengthy No-Fly List procedures that focused on more serious issues such as national security.

Simple Present S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The amendments
The proposed changes to the rules
Verb What is happening
seek
try to; aim to
Object What receives action
to empower airlines and cabin crew act immediately
to give the airlines and flight staff the power to take action right away
Adjunct Additional info
unlike before, when such behaviour was overshadowed by lengthy No-Fly List procedures that focused on more serious issues such as national security
Different from the past, when these actions were ignored because of long official rules that only cared about big threats like terrorism
Sentence 10 of 16
English Original

Whether the proposed changes would lead to high-handedness and offset the balance of power between passengers and airline staff is a moot point.

Simple Present S + V + C Main Clause + Subordinate Noun Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Whether the proposed changes would lead to high-handedness and offset the balance of power between passengers and airline staff
If the new rules will make airline staff act too bossy and take away the rights of passengers
Verb What is happening
is
Describes the status of the question
Complement Completes meaning
a moot point
something that is debatable or no longer has a clear practical use
Sentence 11 of 16
English Original

Aviation experts stress that the cabin crew’s primary role is for flight safety.

Simple Present S + V + O Main Clause + Subordinate Noun Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Aviation experts
People who know a lot about the flight industry
Verb What is happening
stress
emphasize or give special importance to
Object What receives action
that the cabin crew’s primary role is for flight safety
that the most important job of the air hostesses and stewards is to keep the flight safe
Sentence 12 of 16
English Original

However, a credible argument against the proposed amendments would cite the IndiGo fiasco where the airline’s response to pilot deployment rules was found to be influenced by revenue considerations, leading to much anger among passengers.

Hypothetical Future Adjunct + S + V + O Main Clause + Subordinate Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
However
But; on the other hand
Subject Who/What
a credible argument against the proposed amendments
a believable or strong reason to dislike the new rules
Verb What is happening
would cite
would use as an example
Object What receives action
the IndiGo fiasco where the airline’s response to pilot deployment rules was found to be influenced by revenue considerations, leading to much anger among passengers
the disaster at IndiGo where the airline cared more about money than following pilot rest rules, which made many people very angry
Context and Background
IndiGo

In late 2025, IndiGo faced severe criticism for flight cancellations due to a pilot shortage. This happened because the airline struggled to implement new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue. Critics alleged that the airline prioritized profit (revenue) over pilot well-being and flight safety, causing widespread passenger anger.

Sentence 13 of 16
English Original

It would seem that the amendments would empower airlines against “unruly” behaviour arising from legitimate anger over unfair practices too.

Conditional S + V + C Main Clause + Subordinate Noun Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
It
The situation; the likely outcome
Verb What is happening
would seem
appears to be; looks like
Complement Completes meaning
that the amendments would empower airlines against “unruly” behaviour arising from legitimate anger over unfair practices too
that these rule changes could give airlines power to silence even direct complaints from passengers who are rightly angry about bad service
Sentence 14 of 16
English Original

So, while the amendments may be necessary in the overall interest of flight safety and a smooth passenger experience, they should not serve other purposes such as deflecting passenger grievances.

Modal Present Adjunct + Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Concessive Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
So
Therefore; as a result of these points
Adjunct Additional info
while the amendments may be necessary in the overall interest of flight safety and a smooth passenger experience
Even though these rule changes might be needed to keep passengers safe and travel comfortable
Subject Who/What
they
the proposed amendments or rule changes
Verb What is happening
should not serve
must not be used for; ought not to result in
Object What receives action
other purposes
different goals that are not the main reason
Adjunct Additional info
such as deflecting passenger grievances
like ignoring or turning away people’s honest complaints
Sentence 15 of 16
English Original

One safeguard would be to make a distinction between “unruly” behaviour on the ground versus disruptive behaviour during flight.

Conditional S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
One safeguard
One way to protect passengers from unfair treatment
Verb What is happening
would be
could be; is suggested to be
Complement Completes meaning
to make a distinction between “unruly” behaviour on the ground versus disruptive behaviour during flight
to treat bad behavior at the airport differently from dangerous behavior while the plane is in the air
Sentence 16 of 16
English Original

Safeguards are needed to allow redress against airline overreach.

Simple Present Passive S + V + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Safeguards
Rules or protections
Verb What is happening
are needed
must be put in place
Adjunct Additional info
to allow redress against airline overreach
to let passengers get justice if an airline uses its power unfairly
Sentence 1 of 16
Sentence 1 of 16
A disturbing phenomenon in aviation is unruly passenger behaviour.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
A disturbing phenomenon in aviation
A worrying trend or event happening in the flight industry
Verb
is
Describes what the phenomenon currently is
Complement
unruly passenger behaviour
Bad or wild behavior by people traveling on planes
Sentence 2 of 16
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has pointed out that in 2023, there was one incident for every 480 flights, from one for every 568 flights in 2022.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The global group that represents most airlines
Verb
has pointed out
Has shown or highlighted through data
Object
that in 2023, there was one incident for every 480 flights, from one for every 568 flights in 2022
That incidents increased from 1 in 568 flights in 2022 to 1 in 480 flights in 2023
Sentence 3 of 16
In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is proposing to amend rules such that airlines can directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days without referring the matter to the competent authority.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In India
Specifically within the country of India
Subject
the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
the main government office that controls flight safety and rules in India
Verb
is proposing
is suggesting a plan or change
Object
to amend rules such that airlines can directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days without referring the matter to the competent authority
To change rules so airlines can ban people for 30 days themselves without asking a higher official first
Sentence 4 of 16
The DGCA has broadened the concept of unruly behaviour too with six new categories: smoking on board, consumption of alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorised use of life-saving equipment such as life jackets, engaging in protests or sloganeering, and unruly conduct arising from intoxication.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The DGCA
The aviation regulator of India
Verb
has broadened
has made wider or more inclusive
Object
the concept of unruly behaviour
the idea of what counts as bad behavior by passengers
Adjunct
too
as well; also
Adjunct
with six new categories: smoking on board, consumption of alcohol on domestic flights, tampering with emergency exits, unauthorised use of life-saving equipment such as life jackets, engaging in protests or sloganeering, and unruly conduct arising from intoxication
By adding six specific types of bad behavior like smoking, drinking on local flights, and protesting
Sentence 5 of 16
Currently, airlines must report disruptive passengers to an independent committee, headed by a retired district and sessions judge, which will decide within 45 days whether to add them to the official no-fly list.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Currently
Right now, under the existing rules
Subject
airlines
Companies that operate planes like IndiGo or Air India
Verb
must report
Are required to officially inform
Object
disruptive passengers
people on the flight who cause trouble or break rules
Adjunct
to an independent committee, headed by a retired district and sessions judge, which will decide within 45 days whether to add them to the official no-fly list
To a separate group of people led by a former judge, who have 45 days to decide if the person should be banned from flying
Sentence 6 of 16
Unruly behaviour would now be monitored by airlines from the check-in counter although the focus is on the flight since such behaviour can impact passenger safety and comfort.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Unruly behaviour
Bad or disruptive actions by passengers
Verb
would now be monitored
will be watched or checked under the new plan
Adjunct
by airlines
by the companies that fly the planes
Adjunct
from the check-in counter
starting from the place where you get your boarding pass
Adjunct
although the focus is on the flight since such behaviour can impact passenger safety and comfort
even though the main concern is what happens on the plane because bad behavior can make travel dangerous or unpleasant
Sentence 7 of 16
It would seem tolerance levels are dipping with several incidents such as attempts to open emergency exits and accessing lifesaving equipment without reason.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
The current situation
Verb
would seem
appears to be; looks like
Complement
tolerance levels are dipping with several incidents such as attempts to open emergency exits and accessing lifesaving equipment without reason
People are becoming less patient, as seen in many cases of people trying to open exits or touching life jackets for no reason
Sentence 8 of 16
Reports also cite passengers abusing crew and fellow travellers, and the loud chanting of prayers and bhajans.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Reports
News stories or official accounts of what happened
Adjunct
also
in addition to what was already mentioned
Verb
cite
give as an example or mention officially
Object
passengers abusing crew and fellow travellers, and the loud chanting of prayers and bhajans
cases where people are being mean to flight staff and other passengers, or singing religious songs very loudly
Sentence 9 of 16
The amendments seek to empower airlines and cabin crew act immediately, unlike before, when such behaviour was overshadowed by lengthy No-Fly List procedures that focused on more serious issues such as national security.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The amendments
The proposed changes to the rules
Verb
seek
try to; aim to
Object
to empower airlines and cabin crew act immediately
to give the airlines and flight staff the power to take action right away
Adjunct
unlike before, when such behaviour was overshadowed by lengthy No-Fly List procedures that focused on more serious issues such as national security
Different from the past, when these actions were ignored because of long official rules that only cared about big threats like terrorism
Sentence 10 of 16
Whether the proposed changes would lead to high-handedness and offset the balance of power between passengers and airline staff is a moot point.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Whether the proposed changes would lead to high-handedness and offset the balance of power between passengers and airline staff
If the new rules will make airline staff act too bossy and take away the rights of passengers
Verb
is
Describes the status of the question
Complement
a moot point
something that is debatable or no longer has a clear practical use
Sentence 11 of 16
Aviation experts stress that the cabin crew’s primary role is for flight safety.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Aviation experts
People who know a lot about the flight industry
Verb
stress
emphasize or give special importance to
Object
that the cabin crew’s primary role is for flight safety
that the most important job of the air hostesses and stewards is to keep the flight safe
Sentence 12 of 16
However, a credible argument against the proposed amendments would cite the IndiGo fiasco where the airline’s response to pilot deployment rules was found to be influenced by revenue considerations, leading to much anger among passengers.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
However
But; on the other hand
Subject
a credible argument against the proposed amendments
a believable or strong reason to dislike the new rules
Verb
would cite
would use as an example
Object
the IndiGo fiasco where the airline’s response to pilot deployment rules was found to be influenced by revenue considerations, leading to much anger among passengers
the disaster at IndiGo where the airline cared more about money than following pilot rest rules, which made many people very angry
Sentence 13 of 16
It would seem that the amendments would empower airlines against “unruly” behaviour arising from legitimate anger over unfair practices too.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
The situation; the likely outcome
Verb
would seem
appears to be; looks like
Complement
that the amendments would empower airlines against “unruly” behaviour arising from legitimate anger over unfair practices too
that these rule changes could give airlines power to silence even direct complaints from passengers who are rightly angry about bad service
Sentence 14 of 16
So, while the amendments may be necessary in the overall interest of flight safety and a smooth passenger experience, they should not serve other purposes such as deflecting passenger grievances.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
So
Therefore; as a result of these points
Adjunct
while the amendments may be necessary in the overall interest of flight safety and a smooth passenger experience
Even though these rule changes might be needed to keep passengers safe and travel comfortable
Subject
they
the proposed amendments or rule changes
Verb
should not serve
must not be used for; ought not to result in
Object
other purposes
different goals that are not the main reason
Adjunct
such as deflecting passenger grievances
like ignoring or turning away people’s honest complaints
Sentence 15 of 16
One safeguard would be to make a distinction between “unruly” behaviour on the ground versus disruptive behaviour during flight.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
One safeguard
One way to protect passengers from unfair treatment
Verb
would be
could be; is suggested to be
Complement
to make a distinction between “unruly” behaviour on the ground versus disruptive behaviour during flight
to treat bad behavior at the airport differently from dangerous behavior while the plane is in the air
Sentence 16 of 16
Safeguards are needed to allow redress against airline overreach.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Safeguards
Rules or protections
Verb
are needed
must be put in place
Adjunct
to allow redress against airline overreach
to let passengers get justice if an airline uses its power unfairly

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Passenger Ban Rules

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the DGCA's proposed flying ban rules for unruly passengers.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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