Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched a serious effort to enforce a strict ban on photography and videography during flights.
To enforce this rule, the airline has begun making regular announcements onboard, reminding passengers that photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the flight.
PIA has made it clear that according to Pakistan’s aviation regulations, taking photos or videos during a flight is not allowed.
An inflight video was captured of an unruly passenger in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight and was detained by the Dubai authorities for creating Chaos, in September 2022.
This initiative reflects a growing awareness within the aviation industry about the importance of safeguarding passenger privacy and maintaining strict adherence to safety regulations.
In November last year, Australian flag carrier Qantas had banned passengers from taking photos or videoing flight attendants and their seatmates, as well as other staffers and contractors during flights.
As per the updated Conduct During Flight clause for passengers in Qantas flights, the directions included the following line:
“Seek consent before filming or photographing Qantas Group staff, contractors or other customers”.
According to Qantas,the effect of the new rule was aimed at protecting the privacy of crew members and other passengers but it could also be used to stop passengers from capturing potentially ‘viral’ incidents such as a disruptive passenger.
For the recent development, the enforcement of this rule is part of PIA’s commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers.
By curbing unauthorized photography, the airline aims to minimize distractions and maintain focus on safety protocols during flights.
A Pakistan International Airlines spokesperson emphasized that this prohibition aligns with international aviation practices.
Different other carriers also have similar rules, although implementation can vary on scenarios. Normally, a ban on photographing crew members and other passengers is a result of country-specific privacy laws.
In February this year, a video of a drunk and unruly passenger onboard an Emirates aircraft operating a flight from Dubai to Islamabad, was captured while creating a chaotic situation inflight.
Back in July 2019, Garuda Indonesia announced that it was banning passengers and flight crew from taking in-flight photos and videos, according to an internal memo after a popular video blogger posted a photo online showing a handwritten menu he was offered in the business class.
One can see, airlines operating in the United Arab Emirates ban onboard photography that could capture a passenger or crew member because of local privacy laws. Similar privacy rules apply to German airlines, including Lufthansa.
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