No Fly List (India)

A No Fly List in India is a database maintained by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and security agencies that contains the names of individuals deemed a threat to aviation security. The individuals on this list are prohibited from boarding flights within, into, or out of India.

The creation of the No Fly List was formalized in September 2017, following incidents of disruptive behavior on flights. It outlines a mechanism for handling unruly or disruptive passengers and imposing flight bans based on the severity of the offense. The rules categorize offenses into three levels:

• Level 1: Disruptive behavior (verbal harassment, unruly behavior).
• Level 2: Physically abusive behavior (pushing, kicking, hitting).
• Level 3: Life-threatening behavior (damage to aircraft, attempts to cause injury).

The duration of the flight ban varies depending on the level of offense. Level 1 offenses can result in a ban of up to three months, Level 2 up to six months, and Level 3 up to two years or more.

A committee constituted by the airline is responsible for investigating incidents and determining the level of offense. The committee comprises representatives from different airlines and security agencies. Passengers have the right to appeal against the ban.

The No Fly List is distinct from blacklists maintained by individual airlines, which may impose their own restrictions on passengers. Inclusion on the national No Fly List significantly impacts an individual's ability to travel by air and is subject to legal and procedural guidelines designed to balance security concerns with individual rights.