The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it has received 1,300 reports from airlines of unruly passenger incidents. In just the last three months.
FAA Administrator Steve Dickson indefinitely extended the ‘zero tolerance’ policy against unruly behavior on aircraft.
Many of the incidents come from a refusal to wear a mask on planes.
The FAA initiated about 20 enforcement cases against passengers involved in serious incidents which include physical and verbal abuse, with some subject to heavy fines.
I will likely take action in at least another 260 cases, the FAA said.
In a normal year, the FAA would receive between 100 and 150 formal cases.
FAA chief Dickson said disruptive passengers could face up to $35,000 in fines and jail time.
Last week the TSA extended the federal mandate for wearing face masks on planes, in airports and on other modes of public transportation.
Delta Air Lines has banned more than 1,200 passengers for failing to wear masks on flights.
Refusal to wear a mask on federal property such as airports could lead to civil penalties.
