The Aviation Security (Amendment) Ordinance 2005 has come into operation, imposing criminal sanctions against unruly or disruptive behaviour aboard civil aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Department says the amendment introduces seven new offences. They are:

* obstruction of crew members in performing their duties;

* failure to comply with instructions given by crew members;

* disorderly behaviour;

* tampering or interfering with aircraft components, apparatus, equipment or systems;

* intoxication by alcohol, drugs or other substances;

* smoking; and,

* operating electronic devices when prohibited.

Offenders face a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and five years jail.

Hong Kong's jurisdiction has also been extended to 11 existing offences under the general description of assault, intimidation, sexual assault and child molestation committed on board a non-Hong Kong-controlled aircraft while in flight outside Hong Kong, with its next place of landing in Hong Kong.