Airports bagging alcohol to reduce problems with ‘drunk’ passengers

Alcohol bought at duty free shops could be sold in sealed bags across the UK, as some airports are already doing. Picture: TSPL

Some UK airport shops are selling alcohol in sealed bags in a bid to reduce disruption caused by drunk passengers, the aviation minister has said.

Robert Goodwill said Glasgow and Manchester airports were trialling the scheme amid growing concerns about travellers’ behaviour.

He revealed that several airlines have written to the government to warn about the number of alcohol-related incidents.

“An aeroplane is a unique environment, a confined space, filled with families and other travellers, and while in the air out of the reach of traditional law enforcement,” Mr Goodwill said. “There’s little chance that a drunken passenger could pose a threat to the plane itself, but some have tried.”

Last week a British Airways passenger was arrested after allegedly trying to force open an exit door on a transatlantic flight.

Mr Goodwill told the Airport Operators Association conference in west London: “We don’t want to stop passengers enjoying themselves or prevent people from flying. But we do want people to put a brake on before things get out of hand.”