<p>Unruly passenger behaviour is a persistent and escalating challenge in global aviation, undermining safety, operational continuity, and crew well-being. While recent research documents a rise in disruptive incidents, most studies focus on post-incident responses, neglecting the underlying antecedent behaviours that precipitate escalation. This conceptual article addresses this critical gap by advancing a proactive, behaviour-based framework designed to predict and prevent unruly passenger behaviour throughout the entire passenger journey. Informed by behavioural threat assessment principles, best practices in aviation security, and the latest post-pandemic behavioural trends, the framework integrates predictive indicators, early detection cues, proactive intervention strategies, and robust response protocols. Notably, current training programmes often overlook essential behavioural science components, thereby limiting aviation personnel’s ability to identify and respond to early warning signs. Recent evidence highlights the significant role of intoxicants, including alcohol, psychoactive substances, and misused medications, in precipitating disruptive behaviour. These factors are implicated in a substantial proportion of unruly passenger incidents. Furthermore, emerging post-COVID-19 neurological considerations, although rare, underscore the need for greater behavioural awareness in high-stress aviation environments. These evolving influences reinforce the necessity for a proactive, behaviour-based prevention model. The framework presented herein provides a rigorous, structured model to enhance training curricula, elevate situational awareness, and facilitate coordinated response mechanisms among ground and in-flight teams. By shifting the paradigm from reactive management to proactive prevention, the article contributes substantively to the academic literature on aviation security. It offers actionable guidance for airlines, airports, regulatory bodies, and training organisations.</p>