This is a fight against unruly behavior.
Flying has become a nightmare, with horror stories of reprehensible conduct popping up. But one airline has had enough of the disruption. Irish low-budget carrier Ryanair is leading the charge by demanding that European authorities set an alcohol limit at airports.
Ryanair is championing airlines’ interests after an unruly traveler last year caused a diversion that cost the carrier €15,000. The airline filed a civil lawsuit in an Irish court last week to recover the losses from the passenger. In a new statement, the airline shared a breakdown of the costs incurred when a flight from Dublin, Ireland, to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, was forced to land in Porto, Portugal, with more than 160 passengers onboard. Ryanair had to pay €7,000 for overnight accommodations in the city, which was the largest expense. Handling and landing fees at Porto, along with legal fees, cost €2,500 each. Excess fuel, loss of in-flight sales, and replacement crew costs accounted for the remainder.
A spokesperson criticized European governments for failing to take action when passengers threaten the safety of aircraft and force diversions. Portuguese prosecutors ruled that the case should be transferred to Ireland, prompting the airline to file the lawsuit in Irish courts.
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In addition to pursuing punitive action, the airline is also calling on governments to limit alcohol consumption at airports to two drinks. The spokesperson noted that Ryanair already restricts alcohol sales onboard its flights, but during delays, passengers can purchase unlimited drinks at airport bars and restaurants. “We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to 2 alcoholic drinks (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way they limit duty-free sales), as this would result in safer and better passenger behavior on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.”
Related: Can Airlines Sue You if You Behave Badly?
This isn’t the first time the ultra-low-cost airline has floated the idea of an alcohol limit at airports. In August 2024, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary endorsed the same proposal, advising airports to use boarding passes to restrict alcoholic drinks, particularly during flight delays. “[…]we don’t allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000ft,” he was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.
The summer of 2024 saw delays caused by air traffic control issues, and according to O’Leary, this led to passengers spending more time at airport bars, resulting in a spike in disruptive behavior. Airline staff may fail to spot inebriated fliers at the gate, he said. O’Leary also called for increased fines for passengers who behave poorly on flights.
It is illegal to drink your own alcohol on flights, even if it’s purchased at the airport. Airline staff serve drinks at their discretion to prevent drunkenness and violent behavior. Alcohol also affects the body differently at 30,000 feet—you get drunk faster, which can lead to losing your inhibitions.
Related: It’ll Cost You to Drink Your Own Alcohol Onboard a Flight
Researchers have studied the effects of alcohol on the body during flights, and the results show that alcohol impacts oxygen saturation in the blood, making it less ideal when flying. Another reason to reconsider that extra round of drinks is that alcohol may contribute to disruptive behavior, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has a zero-tolerance policy for passengers who interfere with flight crew duties or threaten aviation safety. Violations can result in fines, travel restrictions, and jail time.
