A CAMPAIGN has been launched to tackle boozy plane passengers.

Sussex Police is teaming up with Gatwick for the fourth successive year to carry out Operation Disrupt – a summer campaign committed to targeting problematic groups and individuals at the airport.

Last year, 173 incidents of disruption were reported last summer – an increase from the 113 the year before.

In 2017, a total of 80 passengers were not allowed on their flights, up from the 44 in 2016.

People convicted of being drunk on board an aircraft can face maximum fines of £5,000 and two years in prison.

They may also have to reimburse the airline if the flight is diverted or cancelled.

Sergeant Darren Taylor, of the Gatwick Prevention Team, said: “While the vast majority of passengers are well-behaved, and travel through the airport and arrive at their destination without a problem, there is a very small minority who ruin it for themselves and for others.

“By engaging with passengers at the earliest opportunity – through patrols, face to face contact and the distribution of posters and leaflets – we are making them fully aware of the rules and their own responsibility.

“You could be refused carriage or sent on the next plane home if you are considered to be drunk, disorderly or disruptive. It’s as simple as that.

“However we are not out there with the intention to arrest people or ruin their holiday; we want all passengers to travel through Gatwick safely and with minimal fuss. By making our stance clear from the outset, the onus is on them to behave themselves.”