SEOUL, September 17 — Smoking has emerged as the leading cause of on-board violations in South Korea over the past five years, accounting for 80.8% of all incidents, according to data obtained by the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.
From January 2019 to July of this year, a total of 1,868 cases of on-board violations were referred to law enforcement by 10 South Korean airlines. Of these, 1,509 cases, or approximately four out of five, involved smoking. The revelation highlights the persistent challenge of enforcing no-smoking policies in the aviation industry, despite stringent regulations and penalties.
The Dangers of On-Board Smoking
Smoking on an aircraft poses significant risks, including damage to air filtration systems and the potential to cause fires. Given the confined space and flammable materials onboard, even a single cigarette can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The risks are so severe that passengers are strictly prohibited from smoking at any time during the flight, including during layovers and while the aircraft is on the ground.
To deter smoking, the South Korean government has imposed substantial fines. Those caught smoking in parked aircraft can face fines of up to 5 million won (approximately 27,000 yuan), while those caught smoking during flight face fines of up to 10 million won.
Other On-Board Violations
While smoking was the most common violation, the data also revealed other forms of misconduct. A total of 160 cases involved air rage incidents, such as verbal abuse of fellow passengers or crew members. There were 65 cases of sexual harassment, 41 cases of rowdy behavior due to alcohol consumption, and 19 cases of violence or threats against cabin crew.
These findings underscore the need for enhanced security measures and passenger education to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all travelers. The aviation industry has been grappling with these issues for years, and the recent data serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
Regulatory Measures and Passenger Awareness
In response to these violations, South Korean airlines have been modifying their in-flight announcements to better educate passengers about the rules and consequences of non-compliance. Additionally, the government and airlines have been working to improve the detection and reporting of such incidents.
Passenger awareness campaigns have also been launched to inform travelers about the importance of adhering to in-flight regulations. These efforts aim to reduce the number of violations and create a safer flying experience for everyone.
Conclusion
The revelation that 80.8% of on-board violations in South Korea over the last five years involved smoking is a significant concern for the aviation industry. It underscores the need for continued enforcement of no-smoking policies and stricter penalties for those who flout the rules.
While the data highlights the prevalence of smoking violations, it also sheds light on other forms of misconduct that require attention. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to address these issues and work towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for all passengers and crew.
(Copyright © Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved.)
Views: 0