Aviation Industry Responds to Attack on U.S. Capitol Building

Two unions have called the behavior of Trump supporters “unacceptable,” and are calling for additional support to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft traveling to and from the Washington, D.C. area. To help curb bad behavior, American Airlines will not serve alcohol aboard flights bound to or from the nation’s capital until further notice.

After an angry mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building, multiple aviation stakeholders are not only condemning the events, but also asking for immediate change. Aviation unions are calling for additional protections for workers, while the House Committee on Homeland Security is calling for those involved to be put on the national no-fly list.

Stakeholders Stress Safety Above All Else

Both the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants called on airlines to do everything in their power to protect aviation workers caught in the mix. After a group of pro-Trump instigators admonished American Airlines employees for removing a flyer not wearing a face mask, the two unions are not only denouncing the violence, but asking for more safety precautions. In the APFA statement, national president Julie Hedrick reminded employees to stay safe, and offered support through the union’s employee assistance program.

“APFA Leadership was made aware of incidents on various flights headed to Washington, D.C. During these incidents, some of which broadcasted over social media, Flight Attendants were forced to confront passengers exhibiting politically motivated aggression towards other passengers and crew. This behavior is unacceptable, and Flight Attendants should not have to deal with these egregious incidents.”
–Julie Hedrick, AFPA national president

Trump supporter just got kicked off my flight to Washington DC. #stopthesteal

She made a joke about wearing a mask so they kicked her off.

People on the plane begged the flight attendant to leave her alone@AmericanAir Flight 2198

RT!!!#BoycottAmericanAirlines pic.twitter.com/IgwIawSqPX

— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) January 6, 2021

The AFA-CWA statement issued concern about those involved in the riot flying home. In a printed statement shortly after the attack, union president Sara Nelson called on government partners at the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration to work to prevent further problems in the air.

“Some of the people who traveled in our planes yesterday participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today. Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.”
–Sara Nelson, AFA-CWA president

Nelson’s concerns were shared by the House Homeland Security Committee. Committee chair Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) publicly asked both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the TSA to identify those involved and put them on the national no-fly list.

“We already saw reports of ‘unruly mobs’ in air on the way to Washington, D.C. It does not take much imagination to envision how they might act out on their way out of D.C. if allowed to fly unfettered. Alleged perpetrators of a domestic terrorist attack who have been identified by the FBI should be held accountable.”
–Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security

While the U.S. Travel Association called for unity, organization president Roger Dow also asked for healing and unity in the days to come.

“Working American families depend on a productive government to facilitate their livelihoods—especially in this time of unprecedented crisis and challenge—and the willful disruption of our democratic transition is an unacceptable act of harm that is felt not just in Washington, but in every corner of the country. With all our hearts, we urge the swift and peaceful end to the chaos and mayhem in our capital city, and that we come together to heal and move forward for the sake of our country and our future.”
–Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association president

Security Ramps Up Ahead of Return Trips of Mob Members

With concerns of additional problems taking place when attack participants head home, airlines and police authorities are taking additional steps to prevent issues. In a statement to Fox News, American Airlines noted they would not serve alcohol on flights to and from Washington, D.C. for the immediate future, and will add staffing to all three area airports.

The FBI is also asking for the public’s help in identifying those involved in the attack. Tips can be submitted online, or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-‪800-225-5324).