Smoking on airplanes has long been banned, but that doesn’t stop a few passengers from pushing their luck. On a recent Ryanair flight from Cologne to Malta, one traveler found out exactly how much that decision can cost: €2,000.
According to the airline, the passenger not only smoked on board but also refused to follow crew instructions, prompting legal action. A Maltese court ruled in favor of Ryanair’s strict no-tolerance policy, issuing the €2,000 fine for the disruptive behavior during the March 22 flight. The case serves as a warning for those who disregard inflight safety and rules.
Ryanair has reiterated its strong commitment to ensuring safe and respectful travel for both passengers and crew. The airline described the behavior as “unacceptable” and praised the court’s decision for reinforcing its policy. The company made it clear that disruptions like these have no place on board and that they will continue to pursue legal action whenever necessary.
This isn’t the first time Ryanair has had to deal with unruly passengers. Just a few weeks earlier, the airline initiated criminal proceedings against another passenger who caused a disturbance on a flight from Lanzarote to Santiago de Compostela. In that incident, the individual falsely claimed to be a United Nations diplomat in an attempt to take an unassigned seat. When asked to show his boarding pass, the passenger reportedly became verbally aggressive, resulting in a 40-minute flight delay and removal by the Civil Guard.
The potential consequences for the second passenger are more serious. The case could result in a prison sentence of three to twelve months or a fine lasting between six and eighteen months, depending on the court’s decision. Ryanair emphasized that such behavior not only disrupts the travel plans of fellow passengers but also puts the safety and efficiency of the flight at risk.
In both cases, Ryanair has stood firm in its zero-tolerance approach to passenger misconduct. The airline says it will continue to support local law enforcement and pursue civil damages where appropriate. Other tools in its disciplinary arsenal include travel bans and full cooperation with investigations. The goal is to ensure that incidents like these are rare—and when they do occur, they’re met with swift accountability.
The message from the airline is clear: disruptive behavior will be met with consequences, legal or otherwise. As Ryanair expands across Europe and continues to carry millions of passengers each year, it sees passenger safety and respect as top priorities—on the ground and in the air.
So, next time you’re tempted to light up mid-flight or break the rules, you might want to remember this: a single cigarette or a seat dispute could cost you more than just embarrassment—it might land you in court, facing a hefty fine or worse.
What are your thoughts on Ryanair’s zero-tolerance policy? Share your opinion in the comments below.
