Government Warns Loud Music On Flights Could Be Treated As Unruly Behaviour

The Union government has cautioned that passengers who play music loudly on aircraft without earphones could face action if their behaviour is deemed disruptive, a statement in Parliament has confirmed. The clarification comes in response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha about whether playing music aloud on flights without headphones amounts to an offence.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that while there is no new law specifically targeting loud music on flights, existing Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations already cover such conduct as part of broader provisions on unruly passenger behaviour. Under the Aircraft Rules of 1937, the DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements empower pilots and airline staff to refuse travel, restrain disruptive passengers or impose penalties if behaviour affects safety or order onboard.

The government clarified that airlines may play soft instrumental music through their in-flight entertainment systems as part of normal operations, but personal devices should be used with earphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.

The remarks underline that while loud music alone isn’t newly criminalised, it could lead to consequences under existing rules if it crosses the line into unruly conduct affecting fellow travellers.