US records close to 5,000 in-flight assault cases on cabin crew in 2021; 3,500 related to mask violation

U.S. airlines have reported a record number of violent incidents this year and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has pledged a "zero tolerance" approach.

On October 8, President Joe Biden said he has instructed the Justice Department to "deal" with the rising number of violent incidents onboard planes. The statement came after a group representing major U.S. airlines such as American, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as aviation unions, in June, asked the Justice Department to prosecute violent air passengers.

Unites States has been witnessing a sharp increase in in-flight assault on cabin crew, aggravated behaviour from passengers ever since flights have resumed post corovirus lockdown. Through October 25, there have been 4,941 reports of unruly passenger incidents, including 3,580 related to pandemic face covering regulations. Non adherence to compulsory wearing of mask onboard is the single biggest contributor of such behaviour. 

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