Ryanair is renewing its push for a two-drink limit for passengers at airports, aiming to create a safer environment for both travelers and flight crews. The Irish low-cost airline has intensified its stance after a disruptive passenger forced a costly diversion earlier this year.
Legal Action Against Disruptive Passenger
The airline is suing an unruly passenger for €15,000 after their behavior led to a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote being diverted to Porto in April 2023. The incident resulted in:
- Excess fuel costs: €800
- Accommodation for passengers and crew: €7,000
- Airport landing/handling fees: €2,500
- Loss of inflight sales: €750
- Replacement crew costs: €1,800
- Legal fees: €2,500
The disruption caused 160 passengers and six crew members to spend the night in Porto before resuming their journey the following day.
Ryanair’s Proposal for Change
Ryanair argues that European authorities must address excessive alcohol consumption at airports to prevent such incidents. The airline has suggested a two-drink limit for passengers, enforced via their boarding passes, similar to how duty-free sales are managed.
“It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports,” said a Ryanair spokesperson. “During flight delays, passengers are consuming excess alcohol without any limit on purchase or consumption. This lack of regulation undermines safety and leads to disruptive behavior.”
Broader Concerns About In-Flight Misconduct
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, previously highlighted the difficulty airlines face in identifying intoxicated passengers during boarding. He noted that disruptive behavior inflight, including fights among passengers, has become more frequent.
“Passengers fighting with each other is now a growing trend on board aircraft,” O’Leary said, adding that incidents of aggression are often exacerbated by a mix of alcohol and other substances.
Industry-Wide Efforts
Ryanair’s call for stricter alcohol limits echoes similar concerns raised by airlines globally. In 2022, American Airlines’ flight attendants proposed a two-drink cap to curb inflight disruptions, which spiked during the pandemic.
Currently, airlines are prohibited from serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated passengers, but there is no EU or US law limiting the number of drinks served.
A Safer Travel Experience
Ryanair believes that implementing stricter controls on alcohol consumption at airports will lead to a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. The airline is urging European governments to take action, emphasising that the issue is a matter of both safety and common sense.
With disruptions costing airlines thousands of euros and affecting hundreds of passengers, Ryanair’s proposal could mark a significant step toward tackling inflight misconduct.
