Unruly behavior on airlines has become a nationwide problem that has drawn plenty of media attention. Earlier this summer, a CNBC report showed 3,100 reports of inappropriate travel behavior and fines topping $560,000.

 

That was in June. It is safe to say the problem has continued, and it is sad to say the problem is also taking – albeit in just a few instances – at North Central West Virginia Airport.

 

NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock brought up the issue during Wednesday’s meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority. He said the most recent incident took place during a United Express flight out of the facility.

 

While many of the cases nationally have dealt with passengers not wanting to wear required face coverings, Rock said the most recent and most the airport has witnessed are by passengers frustrated with delays. The delay with the United flight was due to a mechanical issue, he said.

 

“It’s an issue nationally and, unfortunately, it’s here in West Virginia and locally too,” said Rock. “We had a few delays that led to the issues in August.”

 

Rock said the recent matters involving passengers upset with maintenance did not require the assistance of police. However, he praised his staff for settling the issues in the best manner possible.

 

“They did a great job,” Rock said. “Our guys handled it the best way they could, and we know they’ll always act in a cordial manner … We try to control what we can control, but the mechanical issue was outside of our control.”

 

In the most recent case, Rock said he, too, was frustrated because the maintenance that needed to be done could have been done by one of the aviation companies at the airport. Instead, he said workers were flown in from Indiana.

 

“We have everything here that could have provided that service and that was a flight where people got upset,” said Rock. “We understand the frustration, but it’s how you deal with it. We expect people to voice their disappointment, but we also expect people to treat others as they wish to be treated.”

 

Rock said when it comes to a maintenance issue reported by the carrier, the airport has no choice but to go with the information provided. He added that “safety always comes first.”

 

As for getting that information to those impacted, Rock said they provide what they receive. Sometimes, the issue is getting information to those impacted properly and as quickly as possible. When that does not happen, the frustration grows, he said.

 

“We get information out as soon as we get it,” said Rock. “Sometimes that information changes and you go from hearing it’s going to be a short-term delay to a long-term delay and the frustration sets in.”

 

As for issues with mask incidents, Rock said it has happened. He said there has only been one incident where a passenger has had to be removed for refusing to wear a mask.

 

“We ask passengers to understand those individuals working are doing the job they are required to do,” said Rock. “For the most part, things are going well, but we have had a few incidents.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock, while a United Express flight - where the latest incident occurred - is shown below.