LEEDS Bradford Airport has pledged its support for a campaign which aims to educate passengers on the consequences of drinking irresponsibly - or risk serious penalties.

The airport joins thirteen others already participating in the Government-backed 'One Too Many' winter campaign. 

Leading aviation trade associations, the UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the Airports Operators Association (AOA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines UK (AUK) originally launched the campaign in July 2018. It has been backed by Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg.

The winter campaign is reminding the 19.8 million passengers flying monthly through the participating fourteen airports that they could be denied boarding, face fines of up to £80,000, or jail for serious disruptive incidents if found to be disruptive in the airport or in the air.

John Cunliffe, Commercial Director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “The One Too Many campaign has been a huge success at airports across the UK and we are proud to sign up as a partner of the winter campaign.

"There are very few incidents of alcohol-related disruptive behaviour at Leeds Bradford Airport and we already ensure that the penalties highlighted by the campaign are enforced when these incidents do occur.

"The airport was already a signatory to the UK Aviation Industry Code of Practice on Disruptive Passengers and joining the One Too Many campaign was the natural next step for us in enforcing our zero tolerance approach.”

Francois Bourienne, Chair of the UK Travel Retail Forum, added: “We are thrilled to have Leeds Bradford Airport support the ‘One Too Many’ winter campaign to reinforce passengers flying over this busy flying season that irresponsible drinking and the associated behaviours will not be tolerated.  

"These incidents were already rare, but we’re pleased to have experienced a reduction. For example, at Glasgow Airport incidents were reduced by 30 per cent over the summer months in light of highlighting the zero-tolerance approach.

"Winter is a busy time across the UK’s airports as passengers take full advantage of the January holiday specials.

"As always there will be no exceptions for those who behave disruptively, and stiff penalties are already available to deal with those who inconvenience others through their behaviour. We encourage passengers to enjoy their journey and be mindful of their fellow travellers as they make it home or to their holiday destination.”