Pushes for two-drink limit to tackle in-flight chaos
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 27
The airline has called for a limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger at European airports, aiming to reduce in-flight disruptions caused by intoxicated passengers.
The airline proposes according to Guardian that passengers show their boarding passes when purchasing alcohol at airport bars, similar to duty-free shopping practices. This initiative follows a significant rise in incidents involving unruly behavior linked to alcohol consumption, particularly during flight delays.
Alcohol should be treated similarly to cigarettes in terms of restrictions. We need a complete ban on alcohol sales on flights to ensure passenger safety. Padraig O'Ceidigh Irish former independent politician and businessman. Founder, sole owner and chairman of former Aer Arann
Drunk and disruptive passengers are a growing issue for the aviation industry, and it is essential to tackle this problem effectively to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board. Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK - trade association that represents the leading UK-registered airlines.
Call for stricter alcohol regulations
The airline's call for stricter alcohol regulations comes after a disruptive incident in April 2024, where a passenger's behavior forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert to Porto, incurring additional costs. The Irish Sun is writing Ryanair is seeking €15,000 in damages to cover expenses such as hotel accommodations for passengers and crew, landing fees, and other operational costs.
Growing problem
Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, highlighted according to BBC the growing problem of unruly passengers, stating that the crew members and other passengers have become targets. He pointed out that delays exacerbate the issue, as longer waiting times at airports provide more opportunities for excessive drinking.
–In the old days, people who drank too much would eventually fall over or fall asleep. But now those passengers are also on tablets and powder.
He explained that it's the mix. – You get much more aggressive behaviour that becomes very difficult to manage.
47% increase
The Scotish Sun is writing that The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 47% increase in alcohol-related incidents last year, highlighting the growing concern over passenger behavior. Former airline executive Padraig O'Ceidigh has called for a complete ban on alcohol sales on flights, suggesting that alcohol should be treated similarly to cigarettes in terms of restrictions.
Can lead to penalties
In response to Ryanair's proposal, some airports have expressed concerns about the potential impact on passengers who consume alcohol responsibly. An AirportsUK spokesperson stated that while disruptive behavior is unacceptable and can lead to penalties, airports have measures in place to monitor and address such issues, aiming to balance safety with passenger enjoyment.
Ryanair, is doubling down on its call for tighter alcohol regulations at airports following a costly disruption on a flight from Dublin (DUB) to Lanzarote (ACE). The incident, caused by an unruly passenger, led to an unscheduled diversion to Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), disrupting travel plans for 160 passengers.
The diversion not only delayed the passengers, forcing them to overnight in Porto and lose a day in the Canary Islands, but also displaced crew and aircraft, reportedly costing Ryanair approximately €15,000 ($15,400). This includes fuel, handling fees, passenger accommodations, and operational disruptions.
As discussions continue, the aviation industry is exploring various strategies to ensure passenger safety and comfort, balancing the enjoyment of responsible travelers with the need to prevent disruptive behavior linked to alcohol consumption.
