For Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s historic CEO, the situation would now have become unmanageable. Drunk passengers, aggressive behavior, arguments on board and even flights forced to change route: according to the Irish manager, the phenomenon is reaching levels never seen before. For this reason, Europe’s most famous low-cost airline has decided to launch a proposal destined to spark discussion: banning the sale of alcohol at airports in the early hours of the morning and introducing a maximum limit of drinks that can be purchased by passengers.
The accusation against airport bars
The alarm comes after a long series of problematic episodes recorded on Ryanair flights, especially along tourist routes and connections to European nightlife locations. Interviewed by The TimesO’Leary pointed the finger above all at airport bars, accused of indirectly fueling the problem in order to increase takings.
According to Ryanair’s number one, many airports would allow the sale of beers and spirits from the early hours of the morning, creating explosive situations especially in cases of delayed flights or long waits at the gates. The manager claims that today the company would be forced to manage almost one diverted flight a day due to annoying or out-of-control passengers. An impressive figure when compared with the past: just ten years ago, says O’Leary, similar episodes occurred about once a week.
Alcohol and drugs: the mix that worries companies
In his speech, the CEO of Ryanair does not limit himself to talking about drunkenness. The problem, he explains, would also be aggravated by the use of narcotic substances before boarding. O’Leary has in fact spoken openly about the mix between alcohol and “people snorting drugs“, calling it one of the most difficult aspects for crews to manage. The company says it already adopts strict controls and a rigid approach towards unruly behavior, but believes that without concrete collaboration from airports the phenomenon will continue to worsen.
The proposal: maximum two drinks checked with your boarding pass
Among the measures proposed by Ryanair is the introduction of a system similar to the duty free one: each passenger could purchase a maximum of two alcoholic drinks, controlled via their boarding pass. A solution which, according to O’Leary, would allow us to limit excesses without completely banning the consumption of alcohol at airports.
Ryanair has also confirmed its very tough line against those who cause problems on board. After introducing a 500 euro fine for passengers disembarked due to bad conduct in 2025, the company is now also reportedly asking for direct compensation. Legal action has already been initiated against a traveler accused of having caused the diversion of a flight departing from the Canary Islands: Ryanair is asking for around 15 thousand euros to cover the costs incurred.
A problem that affects all air transport
O’Leary’s words thus reopen the debate on security and passenger management at European airports. For many companies, in fact, the increase in low-cost tourism and nightlife-related flights would have contributed to multiplying critical episodes. And while Ryanair points the finger at bars and airports, the issue is already dividing public opinion: there are those who consider the new restrictions necessary and those who fear rules that are too invasive for travellers.
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