Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary Calls for Alcohol Limits at Airports to Combat Rising In-Flight Disorder
Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O’Leary, has urged for the implementation of alcohol limits at airports in response to a surge in disruptive behavior on flights. O’Leary is advocating for passengers to be restricted to two alcoholic drinks per journey, in a bid to curb what he describes as an alarming increase in antisocial behaviour and violence.
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In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, O’Leary highlighted that violent incidents on flights are becoming a weekly occurrence, with alcohol often being a significant contributing factor, especially when combined with other substances. “We don’t want to stop people from enjoying a drink, but we don’t let people drink and drive—yet we keep sending them up in planes at 33,000 feet,” he remarked. O’Leary also noted the challenge airlines face in identifying intoxicated passengers at the gate, particularly when they board in groups.
“As long as they can stand up and shuffle, they’ll get through. But once the plane takes off, that’s when the trouble begins,” O’Leary explained.
He also expressed concern about the increasing aggression passengers are directing towards crew members and fellow travelers, a problem exacerbated by flight delays that extend the time people spend drinking at airports.
“In the past, people who drank too much would eventually pass out. But now, those same passengers are mixing alcohol with pills and drugs,” O’Leary said, noting that this combination leads to far more aggressive and difficult-to-manage behavior.
To mitigate the issue, Ryanair has already started searching passengers' bags before boarding flights to certain "party destinations," such as Ibiza and some Greek islands, which O’Leary identifies as being particularly problematic.