Ryanair is calling for restrictions on alcohol sales at airports across the European Union in a bid to address the growing problem of disruptive behavior on its flights. The budget airline believes that limiting passengers to just two alcoholic drinks before boarding would improve safety and passenger conduct.
“It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports,” the Irish airline stated. “We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to two alcoholic drinks (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way they limit duty-free sales), as this would result in safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.”
The airline’s demand comes amid a legal battle with a passenger, whom Ryanair is suing for €15,000 after their behavior led to the diversion of a flight. In April 2024, the flight from Dublin to Lanzarote was forced to divert to Porto, Portugal, for safety reasons, after the passenger’s “inexcusable behaviour” disrupted the flight. Ryanair claims the incident caused a significant financial and operational burden, including the costs of accommodation, meals, and additional crew for more than 160 passengers.
Ryanair pointed out that while airlines limit alcohol sales during flights, there are no similar restrictions at airports, particularly during delays. This inconsistency, the airline argues, allows passengers to consume excessive alcohol before boarding, contributing to in-flight disturbances.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of disruptive incidents on flights, noting a rise in both the number and severity of such occurrences since 2020. Similarly, the International Air Transport Association reported a global increase in disruptive incidents, with one such event occurring every 480 flights in 2023, compared to one every 568 flights in 2022.
Ryanair’s lawsuit highlights the financial costs of handling a disruptive passenger, with the airline detailing expenses of over €15,000. These included €7,000 for overnight accommodation and meals, €2,500 for airport fees, €1,800 for replacement crew, and €800 in excess fuel.
