China probes runway protests
April 26, 2012, 09:34 am
China's civil aviation administration is currently investigating a few incidents that have occurred in their local airports involving passengers running onto the tarmac in protest of flight delays. As investigations look into the safety of airports, pilots can ensure safety in the sky with pilot insurance.
The Civil Aviation Administration is urging Chinese airports to do a better job of handling flight delays so as to reduce the number of protests and improve passenger satisfaction. Developing a better system to handle flight delays is becoming increasingly important, due to the likelihood of stormy spring weather disrupting flight paths, which could lead to further protests.
One of the protests occurred on April 11, when 28 passengers of a Shenzhen Airlines flight ran onto the tarmac and interfered with the landing of another flight at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. No one was injured during the incident, and the passengers were returned safely to the boarding gate area. The incident did, however, disrupt the landing of an Emirates Airline flight. The airport offered monetary compensation to passengers experiencing significant flight delays due to thunderstorms, saying there was no other way to appease the overly emotional passengers and prevent further protest on the tarmac.
A similar instance occurred less than a week later at the Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou after flights were delayed for heavy rains. Passengers of the Hainan Airlines flooded the tarmac out of anger and frustration with the delays. According to video footage, dozens of angry passengers gathered outside the boarding gate and argued with police officers and airport personnel about the delays, demanding monetary compensation. Some of the disgruntled passengers rushed to the taxiway, but were stopped by law enforcement officials before they could disrupt any flights.
The Civil Aviation Authority is calling on Chinese airlines and airports to improve their system of handling delays, as well as telling passengers to keep a rational attitude when defending their rights at air transport stations and airports. Entering an airport tarmac without permission is illegal in China, and punishable by a fine of about $32 or up to five years in prison. Shanghai police reported the disruptive passengers were punished the next day, but no further details have been released as to how future protests will be prevented.
"Passengers entering the flight control area without permission not only violate laws, but also put their own safety in danger ... We hope consumers can safeguard their rights in a rational manner and in line with the laws," CAAC said in a statement.
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