Uzbekistan may introduce higher fines for passengers who repeatedly fail to comply with instructions from aircraft commanders or crew members, as well as penalties for ignoring instructions from the Civil Aviation Agency.
The Ministry of Transport has submitted a draft bill for public discussion until October 24, according to the proposed legislation.
The bill aims to improve civil aviation safety, the quality of aviation services and technical regulation, while strengthening liability for violations of aviation rules.
Under the proposal, passengers who fail to follow instructions from an aircraft commander or an authorised crew member regarding onboard conduct would face a fine of five to 10 times the minimum wage, equivalent to UZS 2.2mn–4.4mn ($185 - $370).
If the same violation is repeated within one year of the initial administrative penalty, the fine would increase to 15–20 times the minimum wage, or UZS 6.6mn–8.8mn ($555 - $740).
Currently, Article 117 of Uzbekistan’s Code of Administrative Responsibility provides for a fine of five to 10 times the minimum wage for failing to comply with instructions from an aircraft commander or an authorised crew member. However, it does not establish a separate penalty for repeat violations.
The draft also proposes introducing Article 198-10, establishing liability for failure to comply with instructions issued by the Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Transport.
Under the proposed provision, failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Agency’s instructions would carry a fine of 20 times the minimum wage for citizens (UZS 8.8mn, or $740) and 50 times for officials (UZS 22mn, or $1,850).
For repeat violations within one year of an administrative penalty, the fines would increase to 50 times the minimum wage for citizens and 100 times for officials, equivalent to UZS 22mn ($1,850) and UZS 44mn ($3,700).
The proposed amendments remain subject to public discussion and have not yet entered into force.