Airport bars and restaurants are being urged to clamp down on unruly passengers who go on to disrupt flights.
Iata wants to see procedures implemented before take-off that could help prevent unruly behaviour on aircraft.
Airlines also need to ensure that cabin crew and ground staff are trained to prevent or manage disruptive passengers at check-in, during security searches and at the boarding gate.
Governments and airlines must also raise awareness of the consequences of unruly behaviour, it said.
The three-point call for action follows 8,000 cases reported to Iata last year, ranging from physical assault and drunkenness due to alcohol consumed before boarding through to frustration over rules such as in-flight smoking bans or the use of electronic devices.
Iata director general and chief executive Tony Tyler (pictured) said: “Each incident of unruly behavior marks an unacceptable inconvenience to passengers and crew.
“A united and balanced approach to the prevention and management of unruly passengers by governments and industry is vital.
“Governments should adopt all the legal powers at their disposal to ensure unruly passengers face the appropriate consequences for their actions.
“Airlines, airports, and others must work together to implement the right procedures and train staff to respond effectively to such instances.”
Iata’s 70th annual meeting in Doha, Qatar, unanimously adopted a resolution calling on governments and industry to work together on a “balanced package of measures” to deter and manage what it described as a “significant problem” for airlines.
“This resolution confirms the determination of airlines to defend the rights of their passengers and crew,” Tyler said.
“Everybody on board is entitled to enjoy a journey free from abusive or other unacceptable behaviour.
“Many airlines have trained both ground staff and cabin crew in procedures not only to manage incidents of unruly behaviour but also in measures to prevent them. But a robust solution needs alignment among airlines, airports, and governments.”