AN AIRLINE based at Leeds Bradford Airport is calling for new industry-wide measures to tackle a shocking rise in "air-rage."

The UK’s largest holiday companies have just recorded a double figure rise in disruptive passenger behaviour.

Incidents of "air rage" have almost trebled in the last three years according to figures from the Civil Aviation Authority with cases of passengers fighting cabin crew and each other.

In July a Leeds couple were arrested and given a lifetime ban by Jet2.com after complaints they were disruptive and abusive towards cabin crew on a flight from Lanzarote to Leeds Bradford Airport.

The pair reportedly ignored safety instructions, used aggressive and threatening language towards cabin crew and inappropriately touched one female crew member. They were released on police bail and enquiries are still continuing.

And in May, a drunk passenger from Teesside on a stag-do was fined almost £5,000 after causing a flight from Leeds Bradford to Alicante to be diverted to Toulouse. He also received a lifetime ban from Jet2.com.

In 2014 there were 114 instances of disruptive passengers on UK airlines and on foreign airlines operating in UK airspace, compared with 85 instances in 2013, 47 in 2012 and 39 in 2011.

Now, Yeadon-based Jet2.com, is calling for industry-wide measures to tackle the problem.

Phil Ward, managing director of Jet2.com, said: "We are a family airline and holiday company carrying millions of passengers every year.

"These are people who have chosen to take their well-earned summer breaks with us and we want them to have a wonderful time.

"Therefore, under no circumstances will we allow the disruptive few to spoil the experience for the majority of the fantastic customers that fly with us."

Jet2.com is working closely with other high profile holiday companies and industry bodies to put in place a series of comprehensive new rules for air travel.

It has already put in place a series of measures under its ‘Onboard Together’ programme, to educate passengers about the effects of alcohol at high altitude, and to outline its policies.

And it has given staff the power to take quick decisions regarding disruptive passengers including verbal and written warnings and, ultimately, the ability to divert the aircraft to the nearest airport to off-load particularly offensive people before flying remaining passengers onto their holiday destination.

Measures also include banning disruptive passengers for life, handing them over to the police, issuing a bill for the cost of the diversion and taking legal action, post travel.

"By far and away the majority of the travelling public are decent people wanting to have a great holiday," Mr Ward said.

"We want people to have a fantastic time from the moment they start their holidays with us. Most passengers absolutely know how to behave on board, whilst having a good time too.

"It’s for that reason that we must stamp out this rise in disruptive behaviour."