Air passengers’ alcohol warning

Airport pledges zerotolerance on drunken behaviour

Passengers travelling from Glasgow Airport are being urged to drink responsibly before boarding flights as the airport steps up its zero-tolerance approach to disruption.

Last year, more than 120 incidents involving alcohol were dealt with by airport staff under the Campus Watch scheme, which involves check-in staff, security teams, bar and restaurant employees, retailers and airline crews.

Staff are being encouraged to report details of any potential incident of disruptive behaviour to the airport’s central control room.

Managing director Amanda McMillan said: “For many of our passengers, their holiday begins the moment they arrive at the airport and we want them to continue to enjoy a memorable but ultimately safe and disruption-free experience.

“In 2016 we carried a record 9.4 million passengers and during this time our staff and partners dealt with 125 incidents of disruptive behaviour involving alcohol. While it’s correct to show the numbers in context, it’s also important to understand that disruptive behaviour can often disproportionately affect a large number of passengers, particularly if an incident occurs on board an aircraft.”

Other steps include airlines making authorities aware of large group bookings and police patrols at the dropoff area ahead of potentially problematic flights.

Inspector Bob Smith, the airport police commander, said: “Glasgow Airport has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable or disruptive behaviour.

“It’s completely understandable that people want to start their holiday with a bit of fun but passengers should drink responsibly and be fit to fly.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson visited the airport for the latest launch of the watch scheme.

He said: “Passengers can be assured that issues will be dealt with quickly and I’d like to see other airports considering how this approach might work in their own premises.”