Overview
- Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said disruptive intoxicated passengers now force almost one diversion a day, up from about one a week a decade ago.
- To curb the problem, he proposes no alcohol sales at airports outside United Kingdom pub hours and a strict cap of two drinks per passenger enforced via boarding cards.
- The carrier points to alcohol mixed with drug use as a driver of aggressive behavior on certain leisure routes, saying the risk has grown for crews and travelers.
- Ryanair has added company‑level penalties, including a €500 charge for passengers removed for misconduct, and it has pursued damages in at least one case reported at about €15,000.
- Airports and regulators have not announced coordinated changes, and when AFP asked what time Ryanair begins onboard alcohol sales, the airline did not provide an answer.