IATA Plans to Address Rising In-Flight Theft in Asia

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has identified a growing problem of organized in-flight theft, particularly on flights originating from China and affecting various Asian cities. In the first ten months of 2024, Hong Kong reported a 75% increase in theft incidents, with valuables worth over half a million U.S. dollars stolen, while Singapore has charged several individuals in related cases. IATA plans to convene its security advisory group to explore improved onboard security measures and seek cooperation from local governments to enforce appropriate penalties. Beyond theft, IATA also highlighted ongoing aviation safety concerns including turbulence, fire hazards from power banks, and incomplete accident reporting, emphasizing the importance of timely investigations to prevent future incidents. Additionally, Turkey has introduced fines to enforce passenger compliance with safety protocols during taxiing phases of flights, aiming to reduce injury risks. Meanwhile, Oslo Airport faces challenges with unauthorized activation of emergency alarms, which can disrupt operations and lead to fines, prompting changes to alarm placements to reduce accidental use.