Ryanair has called for stricter alcohol controls at airports, including a two-drink limit per passenger, following a costly flight diversion allegedly caused by a disruptive passenger.
The airline is pursuing €15,000 (£12,615) in legal costs and damages in Irish courts to recover expenses linked to the incident.
Alcohol Restrictions Proposed for Safer Travel
Ryanair is urging European authorities to enforce regulations requiring passengers to show boarding passes when purchasing alcohol at airport bars, mirroring current duty-free sales protocols.
“We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to two alcoholic drinks, as this would result in safer and better behaviour onboard and a more secure travel experience across Europe,” the airline stated on Monday.
The airline pointed out that delays often lead to unchecked alcohol consumption, which can cause disruptive behaviour during flights.
Ryanair staff have noted that while alcohol consumption onboard can be controlled, passengers who become intoxicated at airports frequently pose challenges after boarding.
Legal Action Following Flight Diversion
The airline’s latest push for reform coincides with legal proceedings against an unnamed passenger accused of forcing a Dublin-to-Lanzarote flight to divert to Porto, Portugal, in April 2023. Ryanair claims the incident resulted in:
- €7,000: Hotel accommodation for 160 passengers and crew.
- €2,500: Landing and handling fees at Porto.
- €1,800: Crew replacement costs due to duty-hour restrictions.
- €800: Additional fuel expenses.
- €750: Lost inflight sales.
- €2,500: Legal fees in Portugal.
The airline stated, “None of these costs would have been incurred if the disruptive passenger had not forced the diversion.”
Initially filed in Portugal, the case was redirected to Ireland after authorities determined jurisdiction lay with the Irish courts, as both the passenger and aircraft were Irish.
Ryanair is pursuing civil proceedings to recover costs caused by the diversion, which stranded over 160 passengers and crew overnight in Porto.
Calls for EU Action
With Ryanair operating 3,600 flights daily across 37 countries, the airline has renewed its plea for EU authorities to establish uniform alcohol sales restrictions at airports.
“It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports,” the airline said, stressing that the measures would enhance safety for passengers and crew alike.
The move highlights an ongoing issue in European airports, where alcohol is widely available, often in high-street-style pubs. Ryanair’s efforts aim to reduce the risks posed by inebriated passengers while ensuring smoother travel experiences for all.
This latest incident underscores the growing need for comprehensive regulation to address alcohol-related disruptions in air travel.
