Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has called for a ban on alcohol sales at UK airports before early morning flights, arguing that the measure would reduce disruptive behavior onboard aircraft.
Rise in Flight Diversions
According to Mr O’Leary, Ryanair is now forced to divert an average of almost one flight per day due to bad behavior onboard, a sharp increase from one per week a decade ago. He described the trend as a real challenge for all airlines.
Criticism of Early Morning Drinking
In an interview with The Times, Mr O’Leary questioned why airport bars serve alcohol at five or six o’clock in the morning. “Who needs to be drinking beer at that time?” he said. He noted that airside bars in the UK are not subject to the same licensing hour restrictions as other venues, and called for no alcohol to be served outside those hours.
Proposed Two-Drink Limit
The airline boss also proposed a two-drink limit at airports. He said Ryanair rarely serves more than two drinks to a passenger, but criticised airports for profiteering by keeping bars open during delays and exporting the problem to airlines.
Legal Consequences
Being drunk on a plane is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years' imprisonment. In January 2025, Ryanair began legal action to recover losses from disruptive passengers, including a case in Ireland seeking 15,000 euros (£12,500) in damages for a diverted flight from Dublin to Lanzarote.
