The CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, has proposed a ban on the sale of alcohol to travelers prior to early morning flights, arguing that this would help mitigate instances of unruly behavior on planes. He noted that the airline is currently experiencing an increase in disruptive incidents, with an average of nearly one flight being diverted daily due to passenger misconduct, a significant rise from once a week a decade ago.
In a discussion with the Times, O’Leary expressed his concerns, stating, “It’s becoming a significant issue for all airlines. I don’t understand the rationale behind serving drinks in airport bars at five or six in the morning. Who requires beer at that hour?”
Unlike other establishments that sell alcohol, bars located within UK airports do not have the same restrictions on operating hours. O’Leary emphasized that there should be no alcohol served at airports during times outside of established licensing hours.
He mentioned that Ryanair typically limits passengers to a maximum of two drinks and advocated for a similar restriction to be applied in airport settings. O’Leary remarked, “We are generally responsible, but those who are irresponsible are the airports that choose to keep bars open early in the morning and continue to serve alcohol during delays, fully aware that this behavior will ultimately burden the airlines.”
Drunkenness on flights constitutes a criminal offense, carrying potential penalties of up to £5,000 in fines and two years of imprisonment.
In January of the previous year, Ryanair announced its intention to pursue legal action to recover financial losses caused by unruly passengers who prompted flight diversions. The airline revealed that it had initiated legal proceedings against a passenger in Ireland seeking damages of €15,000 (£12,500) related to a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote.
