Drunken Airport Rammies Prompt Calls for Stricter Alcohol Sales Rules

Strategic Insights -

Police call-outs to drunken airport incidents have tripled in just five years, with 337 recorded incidents in 2024, compared to 121 in 2019. The rise in "disruptive airline passengers" has led to concerns over safety and disruption to travel. Air travel chiefs and experts are urging passengers to drink responsibly and are calling for stricter rules on alcohol sales at airports to prevent alcohol-related abuse and crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Police attended 337 call-outs at Scotland's four major airports in 2024 due to alcohol-related incidents, a threefold increase from 121 call-outs in 2019.
  • The number of "disruptive airline passenger" incidents recorded by police increased by 72% between 2019 and 2024, from 438 to 755.
  • There has been a fivefold increase in police being called to passenger incidents aboard flights in the last six years, with 104 incidents in 2024, compared to 20 in 2019.
  • The majority of aircraft call-outs occur between May and September, with 62% of incidents recorded during this period in 2024.
  • Air travel chiefs warn that passengers who are aggressive or disorderly can be highly disruptive and may face severe penalties, including criminal charges and prison sentences.
  • Experts are calling for stricter rules on alcohol sales at airports, including bringing airside sales under the licensing system to prevent alcohol-related harm.

Statistics:

  • 337 call-outs to drunken airport incidents in 2024, a threefold increase from 121 in 2019.
  • 755 "disruptive airline passenger" incidents recorded by police in 2024, a 72% increase from 438 in 2019.
  • 104 passenger incidents aboard flights in 2024, a fivefold increase from 20 in 2019.
  • 15.8 million passengers passed through Edinburgh Airport in 2024, with only 0.0004% experiencing disruptive incidents.
  • 62% of aircraft call-outs occur between May and September.

Sources:

  • Police Scotland
  • Laura Mahon, deputy chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland
  • Andrew Misell, UK director for Alcohol Change
  • Anna Bowles, head of consumer at the UK Civil Aviation Authority
  • Detective Superintendent Derek Callan
  • AGS Airports, which runs Glasgow and Aberdeen airports
  • Edinburgh Airport
  • Glasgow Prestwick Airport
  • One Too Many campaign