Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has suggested that airports should implement a two-drink limit on alcoholic beverages for flyers to reduce instances of disruptive behavior on flights. O’Leary believes that airports should restrict the amount of alcohol sold to any passenger to two drinks to help prevent incidents of unruly behavior while flying. He proposes that passengers should have to show their boarding pass in order to purchase alcohol at airport bars and that they should not be served more than two drinks, especially when flights are delayed. O’Leary made these comments in an interview with the Independent, citing a recent spike in disruptive passengers on European airlines, including Ryanair, particularly during the summer months.
The CEO of Ryanair noted that the airline, along with other European carriers, has seen an increase in disruptive passengers on planes this summer, which he believes could be attributed to record high flight delays. O’Leary suggested that delays in flights leaving on time have led some passengers to frequent airport bars to pass the time, potentially contributing to the issue of unruly behavior onboard planes. He highlighted the impact of air traffic control delays on flight schedules, indicating that this factor has been a significant contributor to the problem of disruptive passengers on European airlines.
In addition to proposing a two-drink limit on alcohol sales at airports, O’Leary also called for more effective local fines for travelers who are removed from flights due to disruptive behavior. He expressed a desire to see stricter penalties for passengers who exhibit unruly conduct while flying, in order to deter such behavior in the future. Ryanair has been in contact with various European governments to address the issue of disruptive passengers and explore potential solutions to improve the safety and comfort of flights for all passengers.
According to a fact sheet published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there has been an increase in the rate of reported unruly passenger incidents in recent years. In 2023, there was one reported incident per 480 flights, compared to one incident per 568 flights in 2022. This data indicates a concerning trend of rising instances of disruptive behavior among airline passengers, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue and implementing measures to improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
Ryanair has flown millions of passengers over the course of a few months this year, demonstrating the airline’s significant presence in the European aviation market. The airline’s CEO’s proposal for a two-drink limit on alcoholic beverages at airports is part of a broader effort to address the issue of disruptive passengers and enhance the overall safety and comfort of flights. By working with governments and industry organizations, Ryanair aims to find effective solutions to mitigate the problem of unruly behavior on planes and ensure a more pleasant travel experience for all passengers.
In conclusion, Michael O’Leary’s call for a two-drink limit on alcoholic beverages at airports is a proactive step towards reducing incidents of disruptive behavior on flights. By implementing this limit and enforcing stricter penalties for unruly passengers, airlines can create a safer and more comfortable environment for all travelers. It is essential for airports, airlines, governments, and industry organizations to work together to address the issue of disruptive passengers and improve the overall travel experience for passengers around the world.
