No earphones, no excuse: Government warns loud music on flights can invite action

Picture this: You finally board your flight, buckle up, close your eyes… now suddenly someone in row 18 starts blasting a dance track straight from their phone speaker. No earphones. No shame. Just full volume at 30,000 feet. Well, the government has heard your silent suffering. And now, it has something to say about such music on flights.

In a fresh statement in Parliament, the Union government made it clear that if you play music loudly inside an aircraft without earphones and it counts as unruly behaviour, you could face action under aviation rules.

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Let’s break it down.

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Loud music on flights? It could be ‘unruly behaviour’

On Thursday, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol responded to a question in the Lok Sabha by Namakkal MP Matheshwaran. The big takeaway? Playing music loudly on a plane using your mobile phone or any electronic device without earphones can invite penal action if it disturbs order onboard.

The minister pointed out that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) already has rules in place to deal with unruly passengers.

So no, this isn’t a brand-new law. But yes, your playlist could get you in trouble if it disrupts the peace.

What do the rules actually say?

The DGCA has issued Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) under the Aircraft Rules of 1937. These rules cover any unlawful or disruptive behaviour inside an aircraft.

Here’s what the key rules mean:

• Rule 22 allows refusal of carriage and even removal of passengers from the aircraft.
• Rule 23 gives power to the pilot-in-command to restrain anyone acting in a way that affects safety or good order.
• Rule 29 provides penalties if someone violates the Aircraft Rules.

In simple words? If your behaviour including blasting music affects safety or disturbs others, the crew has authority to act.

But what about music played by airlines?

Before you panic and delete your playlist, here’s some clarity.

The minister explained that airlines which have in-flight entertainment systems usually play soft instrumental music during boarding and while passengers are getting off the plane. This is a normal operational practice.

During the flight, passengers may also get access to pre-loaded entertainment content provided by the airline.

So yes, music is allowed. Just not your personal speaker concert.

And what about vlogging inside planes?

The discussion didn’t stop at music. A related question about video blogging inside aircraft also came up.

The minister referred to Rule 13 of the Aircraft Rules, which restricts photography at DGCA-licensed aerodromes and from aircraft in flight, unless prior written permission is taken.

So if you’re planning dramatic runway shots or cockpit-style content, you may need official approval first.

No new special law, just existing rules

One important detail: the government has not proposed any new penal provision specifically for passengers who play music without earphones.

Instead, such behaviour would be handled under the existing framework for unruly passengers but only if it crosses the line into disruptive conduct.

Air travel can already be stressful. Delays, turbulence, crying babies; we’ve all been there. The government’s message is simple: don’t add loud mobile music to the list.

Want to enjoy your songs mid-air? Plug in your earphones.