Ryanair has intensified its call for European authorities to impose restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages at airports. This plea comes on the heels of a significant rise in disruptive incidents within the aviation sector, with a reported one incident for every 480 flights globally in 2023, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The airline’s initiative follows a flight diversion incident involving unruly passenger behavior that occurred in April 2024.
The controversial incident involved a Ryanair flight from Dublin to Lanzarote, which was diverted to Porto, Portugal, due to safety concerns stemming from a passenger's actions. This diversion caused substantial delays for over 160 passengers and crew members, who were forced to spend the night in Porto. Ryanair is pursuing €15,324 in damages related to this incident, citing the behavior as "inexcusable."
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has noted a troubling trend in air travel disruptions, revealing that the number of incidents has increased since 2020. In fact, the agency reported that in 2022, there was one disruptive incident for every 568 flights across Europe. The current figures indicate a slight increase from last year, with incidents rising by 1% in 2023. A spokesperson for EASA remarked on this growing concern, stating that it reflects “both the number and severity of incidents.”
In light of these escalating safety issues, Ryanair advocates for limiting passengers to two alcoholic drinks at airports, mirroring current duty-free sales restrictions. The airline argues that such measures would enhance passenger behavior onboard and contribute to safer flight experiences.
Ryanair's financial burden from the flight diversion has been considerable, encompassing excess fuel costs, overnight lodging for stranded passengers, and legal fees related to the incident. This situation echoes similar challenges faced by airlines worldwide. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded 2,102 unruly passenger incidents last year, resulting in $7.5 million in fines.
The increase in disruptive behavior not only affects airlines financially but also raises significant safety concerns for all passengers and crew members. Ryanair's proactive stance seeks to address these issues head-on and foster a more secure travel environment.
