Ryanair CEO Calls for Ban on Pre-Flight Alcohol Sales

Key facts

• Ryanair is diverting nearly one flight per day due to disruptive passengers.
• This disruption rate is up from one flight per week a decade ago.
• Michael O'Leary proposes banning alcohol sales in airport bars before early morning flights.
• He also advocates for a two-drink limit at airport bars.
• Ryanair has pursued legal action against disruptive passengers, seeking damages.
• A passenger faced legal proceedings in Ireland for a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote.

Ryanair Chief Targets Pre-Dawn Alcohol Sales

The tradition of a pre-flight pint at the airport may face an abrupt end, at least before dawn. Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, has proposed a significant curb on alcohol sales at airports, specifically targeting early morning flights. His rationale stems from a growing problem of disruptive passengers, which he argues is increasingly forcing his airline to alter flight paths and schedules. O'Leary stated that Ryanair is now diverting, on average, nearly one flight each day due to passenger misconduct. This figure represents a stark increase from the one flight per week that experienced similar disruptions a decade ago. The airline chief believes that the availability of alcohol at airports outside traditional licensing hours is a primary contributor to this escalating issue. "It’s becoming a real challenge for all airlines," O’Leary commented in an interview. "I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning."

A Call for Stricter Licensing and Drink Limits

The current regulations in the UK and Ireland permit air-side bars to serve alcohol beyond standard licensing hours, a practice O’Leary finds unacceptable. He contends that these venues should adhere to the same restrictions that apply to other establishments selling alcohol. "There should be no alcohol served at airports outside [those] licensing hours," he asserted. Beyond restricting sales times, O’Leary also suggested a cap on the number of drinks passengers can purchase, proposing a two-drink limit per person at airport bars. While he outlined these measures for airport bars, he did not specify whether Ryanair itself would impose similar drink limits on its flights.

Consequences of Disruptive Behavior

The ramifications of disruptive behavior on aircraft are severe. Being intoxicated on a plane is classified as a criminal offense, carrying potential penalties of up to a £5,000 fine and two years in prison. Ryanair has taken a firm stance against such incidents, initiating legal action to recoup losses incurred when flights have been diverted due to passenger misbehavior. Last year, the budget carrier announced it had begun legal proceedings against passengers for this purpose. In one instance, Ryanair filed a lawsuit in Ireland against a passenger, seeking damages of €15,000 (approximately £12,500). This action was related to a flight that originated in Dublin and was bound for Lanzarote, highlighting the financial and operational toll of unruly passengers.

Industry-Wide Concerns and Proposals

Ryanair is not alone in grappling with the issue of disruptive passengers. The budget airline Jet2 recently called for the establishment of a national database. Such a system would enable airlines to collaborate more effectively, sharing information to ban repeat offenders and prevent future incidents. The problem extends beyond individual airlines, impacting the broader aviation industry's operational efficiency and passenger experience. O'Leary's proposals, while targeted, reflect a wider industry concern about maintaining order and safety in the skies, especially as air travel rebounds and passenger numbers increase.

The Stakes for Air Travel

The debate over alcohol consumption at airports and on flights touches upon a delicate balance between passenger freedom and the necessity of maintaining a secure and orderly travel environment. O’Leary's outspoken stance and specific proposals aim to address what he perceives as a growing threat to the smooth operation of air travel. His call to align airport bar hours with traditional licensing laws and to implement drink limits suggests a desire for a more controlled pre-flight experience. The success of such measures, however, would require cooperation from airport authorities and potentially regulatory changes, underscoring the complex web of stakeholders involved in shaping the future of air travel protocols.

The bottom line

• Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, is advocating for a ban on alcohol sales in airport bars before early morning flights.
• He cites nearly one flight diversion per day due to disruptive passengers as the primary reason for his proposal.
• O'Leary also suggests a two-drink limit for passengers at airport bars.
• Ryanair has previously taken legal action against disruptive passengers to recover costs.
• The airline industry faces significant challenges from passenger misconduct, prompting calls for collaborative solutions like national databases.