Like western airlines, Indian carriers will now carry restrainers, like plastic handcuffs, to restrain unruly flyers to ensure they remain bound to their seats till the plane lands safely.
A Jet Airways official said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently allowed airlines to carry restrainers (meaning plastic handcuffs) on board.
“The DGCA’s nod came in end-2015. We will have restrainers on board shortly and use them in the interest of flight safety as and when required,” the Jet official said. Airlines indicated they will be using this step when needed to curb the menace of disruptive behaviour that threatens safety of aircraft. SpiceJet official said the airline carries handcuffs on all its aircraft and gives martial arts training to its crew.
IndiGo on Wednesday said it has been carrying restraint devices -nylon ropes – on all its flights for some time now. Vistara did not specify whether it carries restrainers but said it takes “adequate measures” for tackling unruly behaviour.