German aviation law gives aircraft commanders wide authority to search, detain and restrain passengers when safety or order on board is at risk, with force allowed only when necessary and proportionate. A legal explainer published by aeroTELEGRAPH on Tuesday details the scope of that power under Germany’s Luftsicherheitsgesetz and related EU air operations rules.
The captain holds both navigational responsibility and onboard security authority, giving the pilot in command final control over measures taken during a disruptive incident. The framework allows identity checks, searches of people or belongings, seizure of items and temporary detention when there is a concrete danger to people or the aircraft. Physical force may be used only if other means are unsuitable or ineffective, while firearms remain reserved for police officers.
The article also addresses restraints such as cable ties or tape, citing a recent American Airlines case as an example. German law does not specify a particular restraint method, leaving the legality of any measure to the test of necessity and proportionality in each case. Cabin crew may carry out such measures on the captain’s behalf, but the commander remains responsible for the decision.