Korean Air, the nation’s largest airline, on Wednesday pledged that it would take strong measures against passengers who assault flight attendants.

“We will take stern action to root out violations of public order occurring on aircraft, as such acts disrupt inflight safety,” Korean Air said in a statement.

The Korean airline industry has been expressing growing concerns over the surging number of in-flight incidents, but few offenders have faced charges.

During the first seven months of this year, Korean Air reported to the police 18 incidents that involve acts of violence committed by passengers.

The carrier added that it would also seek tough countermeasures for drunk passengers who have so far dodged penalties under the excuse that they committed the offenses under the influence of alcohol.

Under the nation’s Aviation Security Act, offenders who interfere with the duties of a pilot or flight attendant by assaulting and intimidating him or her can face up to 10 years in jail.

In 2013, an executive at a top conglomerate here was dismissed from his post after being accused of violence and verbal abuse toward a female Korean Air flight attendant.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)