THE UK Civil Aviation Authority is calling for more prosecutions to crack down on violent and drunken airline passengers.

It says it had already received more than 200 incident reports about disruptive passengers from UK airlines in 2018, before the busy summer flying season had even begun.

The latest figures reflect recent years, which have seen over 400 incidents reported for each full year, many involving acts of violent and intimidating behaviour.

The number of reports has risen four-fold since 2013.

The CAA is calling on airlines and enforcement agencies to make better use of laws already in place.

Director Richard Stephenson said: “Everyone wants their holiday flights to be enjoyable and trouble-free. Drunken and abusive behaviour on an aeroplane is totally unacceptable. Not only does it upset everyone else, but it can also jeopardise flight safety.

“Criminal charges should be brought against offenders more often to act as a deterrent – passengers need to know they will face the full weight of the law should they be found guilty of disorderly behaviour.”

Offenders can be jailed for up to five years for endangering the safety of an aircraft.