Disruptive passenger incidents on European flights nearly tripled in two years, Swedish data shows

Incidents involving disruptive airline passengers in Sweden nearly tripled between 2022 and 2024, according to new figures released Monday by the Swedish Transport Agency.

The agency’s data reveals 503 reported cases in 2024—up from 178 in 2022—with disruptive behavior now occurring on average every three hours across European flights. Behaviors range from verbal aggression and harassment to intoxication and refusal to follow crew instructions, said Johan Westin, a flight inspector with the agency.

At least once a month, incidents escalate to the point of forcing an emergency landing, costing airlines hundreds of thousands of kronor—expenses that can be passed on to the responsible passenger. Disruptions extend beyond flights, with daily reports of misconduct during check-in, boarding, and airport waits.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has called for restrictions on early-morning alcohol sales at airports, citing near-daily diversions due to intoxicated passengers. “I don’t understand why airports serve alcohol at five or six in the morning. Who needs a beer then?” he told The Times.

In response, Sweden’s aviation sector—including airlines, pilot unions, airport operator Swedavia, and transport workers—has launched a summer campaign urging passengers to “switch to airplane mode,” emphasizing respect, compliance with instructions, and maintaining order. Offenders face fines, cost reimbursement, or denial of boarding.

Reported incidents per 10,000 flight hours (Sweden) 2026: 78 2025: 340 (8.50) 2024: 503 (13.35) 2023: 288 (9.14) 2022: 178 (6.57) 2021: 86 (4.96) 2020: 69 (5.55) Partial-year data Source: Swedish Transport Agency