Ryanair is calling on the European Union to enforce stricter alcohol sales regulations at airports, aiming to curb the growing issue of disruptive passengers.
The airline has proposed a two-drink limit for passengers in airport bars and restaurants, similar to the restrictions applied to duty-free alcohol purchases.
In a statement, Ryanair emphasized that while many airlines, including itself, have already introduced measures to control alcohol consumption on board, the same cannot be said for airport premises. Excessive drinking during flight delays has led to numerous cases of unruly behavior, jeopardizing the safety and comfort of passengers and crew.
The issue came to a head following a costly incident on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote in April 2024. Due to the actions of a disruptive passenger who was reportedly intoxicated, the flight was forced to divert to Porto, Portugal. This diversion incurred expenses of €15,000, including accommodation for over 160 passengers, meals, and arranging a replacement aircraft and crew.
The airline has since initiated legal proceedings against the passenger in Ireland, seeking compensation for the financial loss. The case highlights the broader consequences of unchecked alcohol consumption at airports, with Ryanair now urging EU authorities to take action to prevent similar incidents.
The proposed two-drink limit would require passengers to use their boarding passes to monitor alcohol purchases, ensuring responsible consumption before boarding. Ryanair believes such measures would significantly enhance safety and improve passenger behavior during flights.
This isn’t the first time alcohol-related incidents have disrupted air travel, but the growing financial and operational costs associated with such events have brought the issue to the forefront. Ryanair’s call for regulatory changes could spark a larger conversation about airport alcohol sales and their impact on flight safety across Europe.
