Thursday, August 29, 2024 Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has observed a significant rise in air rage incidents this summer, attributing this surge partly to the increased frequency of flight delays. These delays give passengers more time to consume alcohol, often intensifying their frustration during prolonged waits in airport lounges. O’Leary is advocating for stricter controls on airport alcohol consumption, proposing a two-drink limit per boarding pass.
“The real challenge is that flight delays are at a record high this summer, leading to more drinking in airports before passengers board.” He also emphasized the growing problem of passenger altercations during flights, stating, “Fights among passengers are becoming more common on board, and this is the biggest challenge our crews are currently facing.” O’Leary pointed out that Ryanair now deals with at least one severe assault incident on a weekly basis.
He identified flights from Liverpool and Glasgow to Ibiza as particularly problematic. “On any of our Ibiza flights, we don’t allow passengers to board with any bottles – we search their bags at the gate,” he said. Passengers who engage in drunken behavior on an aircraft can face fines up to £5,000 and two years in prison.
If their actions endanger the safety of the aircraft, the penalty can increase to up to five years in prison..
