Ryanair is calling for a change in departure lounge rules across all UK airports, proposing a ban on alcohol sales before early-morning flights. Michael O'Leary, the chief executive of the low-cost carrier, stated that this measure would help reduce the number of disruptive passengers on board.
Ryanair Boss Advocates for Stricter Alcohol Policies
Speaking to the Times newspaper, O'Leary expressed his frustration with airport bars serving alcohol at early hours. "It's becoming a real challenge for all airlines," he said. "I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o'clock in the morning. Who needs to be drinking beer at that time?"
O'Leary emphasized that alcohol should not be served at airports outside of standard licensing hours. He criticized airports for profiting from alcohol sales during delays, often leading to problems for airlines. "The ones who are not responsible, the ones who are profiteering off it, are the airports who have these bars open at five or six o'clock in the morning," he added.
Proposed Two-Drink Limit
The Ryanair CEO noted that his airline rarely serves more than two drinks to a passenger and called for a two-drink limit to be introduced at airports. Most airports in Europe sell alcohol, with British airports offering a range of high street-style pubs.
Ryanair operates flights from Birmingham Airport (BHX) alongside rivals such as TUI, Wizz Air, Easyjet, and Jet2. O'Leary's comments come amid growing concerns over passenger behavior on flights.
Legal Action Against Disruptive Passenger
Last year, Ryanair revealed it was suing an unidentified passenger for €15,000 to recover costs incurred when a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote was redirected to Porto in April. The airline is claiming €7,000 for hotel costs for 160 passengers and crew, €2,500 in landing and handling fees, and €1,800 for crew replacement due to flying hour restrictions.
Ryanair initially launched legal action in Portugal, but Portuguese authorities ruled that the case should be heard in Dublin since both the aircraft and passenger were Irish. "Ryanair is therefore taking a civil proceeding against this passenger in the Irish courts to recover these costs, which were incurred wholly and exclusively as a result of the disruptive passenger's behaviour," the airline stated.
