Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, is adopting a more aggressive stance against disruptive passengers, particularly those whose behavior necessitates flight diversions. CEO Michael O’Leary has issued a stark warning, stating that the airline will pursue legal action against passengers who cause such disruptions, seeking compensation for the costs associated with diverting flights. This new policy follows an incident earlier this month where Ryanair initiated legal proceedings against a passenger who forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert to Porto, Portugal. The airline is demanding €15,000 (£12,500) in damages from the passenger. O’Leary emphasized the increasing frequency of these disruptions, stating that the airline experiences “two or three” such diversions weekly, which he deems excessive considering Ryanair operates around 3,500 flights daily.
The primary driver behind these disruptive incidents, according to O’Leary, is excessive alcohol consumption by passengers at airports. He has long advocated for stricter regulations on alcohol sales at airports, proposing a two-drink limit per passenger. While acknowledging that any reasonable limit would be acceptable, he stresses the need for greater control over alcohol consumption before passengers board flights. Currently, airport bars and restaurants are not subject to specific drink limits but retain the discretion to refuse service to visibly intoxicated individuals. This policy, however, has proven insufficient to prevent disruptive incidents on Ryanair flights. While the sale and consumption of duty-free alcohol purchased at airports are prohibited on flights, the unrestricted availability of alcohol in airport bars and restaurants remains a concern. O’Leary argues that this ready access to alcohol, especially during flight delays, contributes to passenger intoxication and subsequent disruptive behavior.
This call for tighter restrictions on airport alcohol sales has garnered support from other industry figures, including former Aer Lingus CEO Padraig O’Ceidigh, who advocates for a complete ban on alcohol sales on board aircraft. This underscores the growing concern within the aviation industry about the link between excessive alcohol consumption and disruptive passenger behavior. The implications of these incidents extend beyond individual flights, impacting airline operations, flight schedules, and passenger safety.
O’Leary’s focus on disruptive passengers arrives alongside his criticism of the planned expansion of London Heathrow Airport. Despite the government’s endorsement of a third runway at Heathrow, O’Leary has vowed that Ryanair would never operate from the airport, even if offered free slots. He cites protracted turnaround times and the resulting reduction in daily flight capacity as primary reasons for his opposition. Instead, O’Leary advocates for the development of other underutilized airports in the UK, aligning his views with calls for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which closed in 2022. This reflects a broader debate about the strategic development of UK aviation infrastructure and the role of regional airports in supporting economic growth.
The issue of alcohol-related disruptions on flights is not unique to Ryanair. Airline crews routinely manage passenger behavior and have established procedures for dealing with intoxicated individuals. The Sun’s resident flight attendant shared insights into these procedures, emphasizing that cabin crew monitor passenger alcohol consumption and collectively decide when to refuse further service. The key criterion, according to the flight attendant, is whether a passenger’s level of intoxication would compromise their ability to respond appropriately in an emergency. This highlights the responsibility placed on cabin crew to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, often requiring them to make difficult judgments about individual behavior.
The convergence of these issues – disruptive passengers, airport alcohol sales, and airport expansion – underscores the complex challenges facing the aviation industry. Ryanair’s assertive stance against disruptive passengers, coupled with its advocacy for stricter alcohol regulations and alternative airport development, highlights the airline’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges. The broader implications of these issues are significant, impacting not only individual airlines but also the wider aviation landscape and the passenger experience. The ongoing debate about alcohol restrictions at airports, the management of disruptive passengers, and the strategic development of airport infrastructure will continue to shape the future of air travel.
