Air travelers disrupting flights will face severe consequences under a new set of regulations currently being finalized by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). This comprehensive policy, dubbed “zero tolerance,” aims to empower airlines with stricter enforcement tools, potentially restricting disruptive individuals from boarding future flights entirely. The agency’s president, Tiago Faierstein, elaborated on the ongoing development, signaling a significant shift in how passenger misconduct is addressed across the air travel sector.
This initiative comes as the aviation industry continues to grapple with incidents of passenger misbehavior that compromise safety and operational efficiency. The proposed regulatory framework is expected to solidify the airlines’ ability to impose meaningful penalties, ensuring a more orderly and secure environment for all passengers and crew members. Discussions are actively shaping the precise mechanisms of these new punitive measures.
Faierstein confirmed that the agency is exploring various sanctions, including potential restrictions on future travel for those who violate the upcoming rules. The goal is to establish a clear and effective deterrent against disruptive behavior, safeguarding the integrity of air operations.
Crafting the new punitive framework
ANAC is diligently constructing the legal foundations for these new measures, working closely with its attorney-general’s office. This collaborative effort focuses on ensuring that the upcoming regulations align seamlessly with existing laws, including constitutional rights such as freedom of movement, to preempt any legal challenges. The careful drafting process underscores ANAC’s commitment to both passenger safety and legal compliance.
The agency’s leadership aims to unveil these finalized regulations during the first half of 2026. This timeline allows for thorough legal scrutiny and discussion, ensuring the policy is robust and enforceable. The meticulous approach reflects the complexity of balancing passenger rights with the imperative of maintaining order and safety aboard aircraft.
Discussions surrounding the new norm have been underway within ANAC since June 2024, having already progressed through a public participation phase. This ongoing regulatory development is a crucial component of the “Lei do Voo Simples” (Simple Flight Law), which was sanctioned in 2022. The 2022 law already set precedents for dealing with passenger misconduct.
Existing laws and legislative proposals
The “Lei do Voo Simples” introduced significant amendments to the Brazilian Aeronautical Code. Under this law, passengers who violate airline rules, cause disturbance or damage, impair aircraft operation, or hinder company services may be barred from purchasing new tickets from the same airline for up to one year. The new ANAC regulations are expected to build upon and strengthen these existing provisions, expanding the scope and severity of potential penalties.
Parallel to ANAC’s regulatory efforts, a legislative proposal, Bill 3,111/2019, is also making its way through Congress. This bill similarly seeks to impose sanctions on individuals who compromise the good order, discipline, or safety of an aircraft or its occupants. The overlapping goals of ANAC’s regulation and the congressional bill highlight a broader consensus on the need to address passenger misconduct more forcefully.
ANAC’s president expresses hope that the agency’s finalized regulations will be published before significant progress on the congressional bill. The intention is for the ANAC framework to serve as a technical subsidy for legislators, guiding their discussions and ensuring a comprehensive and informed approach to the issue. This strategy aims to foster a unified and effective response to unruly passenger behavior.
Engagement with parliament and future outlook
During this period of legislative pause, ANAC plans to engage in direct dialogue with parliamentarians. This collaborative exchange seeks to identify common ground and develop a harmonious path forward for the legislative project. Such proactive engagement is vital for building consensus and ensuring that any legal framework is well-received and widely supported.
Despite these efforts, Faierstein noted a lack of recent updates regarding the congressional bill. The proposed legislation has been stalled since September 2025 within the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. This legislative bottleneck underscores the importance of ANAC’s independent regulatory path to address immediate concerns within the aviation sector.
The implementation of ANAC’s new “zero tolerance” policy is poised to redefine passenger conduct expectations on flights. By empowering airlines with robust tools to enforce discipline and safety, the agency aims to foster a more secure and pleasant travel experience for everyone. The focus remains on clear guidelines, fair application, and unwavering commitment to air safety.
Key aspects of the new policy:
* Expanded penalties: Beyond existing ticket purchase restrictions, new measures may include outright bans from future flights.
* Legal robustness: Drafted in conjunction with the attorney-general’s office to withstand legal challenges.
* Preventative focus: Aims to deter disruptive behavior through clear, strict consequences.
* Timeline: Expected to be published and take effect in the first half of 2026.
* Industry empowerment: Provides airlines with the necessary authority to enforce order and safety.
* Harmonization with existing law: Builds upon the “Lei do Voo Simples” from 2022 and informs ongoing legislative debates.
These stringent regulations are a direct response to a growing need for enhanced air travel security and decorum. The agency’s proactive stance reflects a global trend towards stricter enforcement against passenger misconduct, ensuring that the skies remain safe and orderly for all. The comprehensive strategy is expected to yield positive results in curbing inflight disruptions.