Ryanair Calls for Alcohol Limits at Airports Amid Rising Disruptive Passenger Incidents
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Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, is pushing for stricter alcohol regulations at airports, proposing a two-drink limit for passengers before boarding.The move comes as the airline seeks to recover €15,000 (£12,615) in costs incurred after a disruptive passenger forced a flight diversion last year.
The airline has urged European authorities to implement new curbs on alcohol sales,arguing that excessive drinking at airports is leading to unruly behavior on flights. Ryanair’s proposal includes requiring passengers to show their boarding passes when purchasing alcohol at airport bars, similar to the process for duty-free shopping.
“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 behavior on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe,” the airline stated.
The Cost of Disruption
The call for stricter alcohol limits follows a high-profile incident in April 2023, when a Ryanair flight from Dublin to Lanzarote was diverted to Porto due to an allegedly disruptive passenger.The airline is now suing the individual to recover costs, including €7,000 for hotel accommodations for 160 passengers and crew, €2,500 in landing and handling fees at Porto Airport, and €1,800 in crew replacement costs due to flight hour restrictions.
Additional expenses include €800 for excess fuel,€750 in lost in-flight sales,and €2,500 in Portuguese legal fees. “None of these costs coudl have been incurred if this disruptive passenger had not forced a diversion to Porto,” Ryanair said.
The case, initially filed in portugal, was redirected to Irish courts after Portuguese authorities ruled that the aircraft and passenger were Irish. Ryanair is now pursuing civil proceedings in Dublin to recover the costs.
A Growing Problem
Ryanair operates 3,600 flights daily across 37 countries, making it one of the busiest airlines in Europe. While crews already have the right to refuse alcohol service on board, the airline argues that the root of the problem lies in pre-flight drinking at airports.
“During flight delays,passengers are consuming excess alcohol at airports without any limit on purchase or consumption,” the airline noted. Ryanair staff have reported that passengers who appear sober when boarding often become unruly mid-flight after drinking heavily at airport bars.
Most European airports, including those in the UK, feature high-street-style pubs and bars that serve alcohol.Ryanair’s proposal aims to curb this trend by limiting alcohol sales to two drinks per passenger, enforced through boarding pass verification.
A Call for EU Action
Ryanair is urging EU authorities to take decisive action. “It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports,” the airline said. The proposal has sparked debate, with some arguing that such measures could infringe on personal freedoms, while others support the move as a necessary step to ensure passenger and crew safety.
The airline’s push for stricter regulations highlights a broader issue of disruptive behavior on flights, which has been on the rise in recent years. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), incidents of unruly passengers have increased globally, with alcohol often cited as a contributing factor.
Key Costs Incurred by Ryanair Due to Flight Diversion
| Expense | Cost (€) |
|—————————|————–|
| Hotel accommodations | 7,000 |
| Landing and handling fees | 2,500 |
| Crew replacement | 1,800 |
| Excess fuel | 800 |
| Lost in-flight sales | 750 |
| legal fees | 2,500 |
| Total | 15,350 |
What’s Next?
As Ryanair continues its legal battle to recover costs, the airline’s call for alcohol limits at airports could set a precedent for other carriers. With passenger safety and operational efficiency at stake, the debate over alcohol regulations in air travel is far from over.
What do you think about Ryanair’s proposal? Should airports enforce stricter alcohol limits, or is this an overreach? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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This article is based on information from The Guardian.
Ryanair’s Push for Alcohol Limits at Airports: A Conversation with Aviation Expert Dr. Emily Carter
In recent years, disruptive passenger incidents on flights have surged, with alcohol often cited as a key factor. Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, has proposed a two-drink limit at airport bars to curb unruly behavior. To discuss this proposal and its implications, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter,a leading aviation safety expert and professor of transportation policy at the University of London.
The Proposal: A Two-Drink Limit at Airports
senior Editor: dr. Carter, Ryanair is advocating for a two-drink limit at airports, enforced through boarding pass verification. What’s your take on this proposal?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a bold move, but one that addresses a growing problem. Excessive drinking at airports has been linked to disruptive behavior on flights,which not only compromises safety but also leads to notable operational costs for airlines. Ryanair’s proposal mirrors the way duty-free purchases are regulated, which makes it a practical solution. However, it’s not without challenges—enforcement and passenger compliance will be key.
The Cost of Disruptive Passengers
Senior Editor: ryanair is currently suing a disruptive passenger to recover €15,000 in costs after a flight diversion. Can you break down the financial impact of such incidents?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Flight diversions are incredibly costly. In this case, Ryanair incurred expenses like €7,000 for hotel accommodations, €2,500 in landing fees, and €1,800 for crew replacements. These costs add up quickly and are ultimately borne by the airline and, indirectly, by passengers. What’s frequently enough overlooked is the ripple effect—delays, missed connections, and reputational damage. It’s a stark reminder of how one individual’s actions can have far-reaching consequences.
The Root of the Problem: Pre-Flight Drinking
Senior editor: Ryanair argues that the root of the problem lies in pre-flight drinking at airports.Do you agree?
Dr.Emily Carter: Yes, and the data supports this. Passengers often consume alcohol during flight delays, and by the time they board, they’re already intoxicated. Crews can refuse to serve alcohol on board,but by then,the damage is often done. Airport bars and pubs, which operate like high-street establishments, contribute significantly to this issue. limiting alcohol sales at airports could be an effective way to address the problem at its source.
A Call for EU Action
Senior Editor: Ryanair is urging EU authorities to take action. Do you think this proposal could gain traction at the legislative level?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s possible, but it will require a delicate balance. On one hand, there’s a clear need to prioritize safety and reduce disruptions. Conversely, there are concerns about personal freedoms and the economic impact on airport retailers. If the EU does move forward, it will likely involve consultations with airlines, airports, and consumer groups to find a middle ground.
What’s Next for Ryanair and the Industry?
Senior Editor: As Ryanair continues its legal battle and pushes for stricter regulations, what do you see as the broader implications for the aviation industry?
Dr. emily Carter: Ryanair’s actions could set a precedent. If prosperous, other airlines may follow suit, leading to widespread changes in how alcohol is sold and consumed at airports. this could also prompt a broader conversation about passenger behavior and accountability.Ultimately, the goal should be to create a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for everyone.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It’s clear that this issue is complex,but your expertise helps shed light on the challenges and potential solutions.
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