Unruly travelers on French-licensed carriers now face stricter fines and penalties for disruptive behavior on flights.
France’s Ministries of Ecological Transition, Spatial Planning, Transport, Urban Development and Housing shared the news in a press release published last month. On November 7, the country’s Official Journal – which formally shares its laws, decrees, and administrative texts – published Decree No. 2025-1063. The government regulation states that travelers who French carriers deem unruly or disruptive can be slammed with fines of up to €20,000 ($23,210 at the time of this report).
One of the things outlined as problematic passenger behavior is using prohibited electronics during one’s flight, or at times of the flight when they shouldn’t be used. Other passenger offenses may be refusing safety instructions or hindering the work of the cabin crew.
The specifics of the regulations are as follows: Fines may reach up to €20,000 for unruly passengers who’ve repeatedly caused trouble. However, fines for first-time offenders may still rack up to a staggering €10,000 ($11,606 at the time of this report). The new regulations could also result in slamming the worst offenders with a flight ban of up to four years. The latter would prohibit them from flying from any location with any carrier holding a French operating license.
“The system provides for a gradation of sanctions according to the seriousness of the breaches, guaranteeing a proportionate and appropriate response to each situation,” stated the French government.
What Else Is There To Know About France’s New Fines And Penalties For Unruly Flyers?
With the regulations in effect, French carriers can now submit individuals who engage in “harmful behavior” to a new, designated database. Offenders will have the chance to have their case assessed by the French Civil Aviation Authority. Then, the latter will initiate “a procedure for dismissal or sanction” that’s “in strict accordance” with the decree.
Notably, France already has criminal prosecution in place that could penalize an unruly air traveler with a fine of up to €75,000 and up to five years behind bars. Those penalties will remain, meaning the new air travel sanctions could be additional fees and punishments for those who act up in the air while flying with a French-licensed carrier.
“The safety of passengers and crew is our absolute priority. Disruptive behavior on board aircraft is unacceptable. It jeopardizes flight safety and compromises the working conditions of flight crews,” said France’s Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot. “With this decree, we’re equipping ourselves with the means for swift, fair, and proportionate enforcement. This new regulatory framework sends a strong message: disruptive behavior will no longer be tolerated, and will be subject to effective administrative sanctions.”
