Posted 13 ноября 2009,, 07:49

Published 13 ноября 2009,, 07:49

Modified 17 сентября 2022,, 13:32

Updated 17 сентября 2022,, 13:32

Russia Imposes Harsh Penalties for Alcohol Drinking on Flights

13 ноября 2009, 07:49
First Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov called for tougher punishment to be imposed on excessive alcohol drinking among pilots and passengers.

VLADIVOSTOK. November 13. VOSTOK-MEDIA – Air companies should fire pilots, who are spotted drinking alcohol before take-off, Sergey Ivanov, First Deputy Prime Minister, believes.


“I think that pilots that have ingested alcohol and drugs before taking off should face tough administrative measures, including dismissal,” stated Mr. Ivanov at a Transportation Ministry meeting.


According to the research and information portal Presstur, the State Duma is now considering amendments to the Code of administrative violations, which provide for license suspension for up to three years for such violations. In addition, he proposed to impose a tougher punishment for excessive drinking among passengers.


Back in October 2009, a pilot of the Airbus A320 jet, owned by Sibir airliner was removed from the Frankfurt-Novosibirsk flight. The inspection has shown blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 per mille. As a follow-up criminal proceedings were launched. Subsequently, the air company replaced the pilot. The flight was delayed for one hour.


“As regards to those passengers who indulge in excessive alcohol drinking, I think it is necessary to make punishment more severe,” added First Deputy Prime Minister. “It is obvious that binge drinking on board of a plane may pose a serious threat to lives of other passengers”.


According to him, the RUR 500 fine levied for excessive drinking should be increased considerably. Foreign airlines impose harsher punishment for excessive drinking, which may include administrative arrest or heavy fines.

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