OREANDA-NEWS. An investigation into Vladimir Kolotygin, who caused a disturbance on flight SU1730 from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on 15 January, has completed and case materials filed with the Elizovo district court in Kamchatka. Kolotygin faces charges under articles 213 (“Hooliganism”) and 116 (“Beating”) of the Russian Criminal Code.

During the flight, Kolotygin, who was flying in business class, behaved disruptively while in a state of intoxication, disturbing public order, insulting the crew and hitting a flight attendant. Kolotygin’s behaviour threatened the safety of the flight and passengers, and the captain considered the possibility of an emergency landing in Novosibirsk. However, with the help of several passengers, including officers of the Federal Bailiff Service, the crew restrained Kolotygin and held him in his seat using improvised means until the end of the flight. On arrival at Elizovo airport, Kolotygin was handed over to police.

Flight safety is a priority for Aeroflot. Thanks to the airline’s initiative, a law has been passed to introduce changes to the Criminal Code making individuals legally liable for gross violation of public order on various modes of transport.

In September 2017, for the first time in Russian legal history, an offender was given a prison sentence for smoking on board an aircraft.

Vladimir Alexandrov, Aeroflot’s Deputy CEO for Legal and Property Matters, said:

“Current Russian legislation in this area is in line with international practice. Throughout the world individuals may be threatened with a serious fine or a real prison term for illegal conduct on board an aircraft. This law allows airlines to defend the right of their customers to a comfortable and safe flight. In addition, from June 2018 Russian airlines will legally be able to add offenders to a black-list and deny them future transportation. This legal mechanism will enable airlines and clients who have been subjected to the inappropriate behaviour of an unruly passenger to prevent repeat occurrences.”