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Ryanair CEO calls for airport alcohol ban before morning flights

Michael O’Leary urges restrictions after surge in disruptive passengers, citing daily diversions linked to alcohol abuse

Ryanair CEO calls for airport alcohol ban before morning flights as the airline grapples with a growing number of incidents involving intoxicated passengers.
In an interview with The Times published on May 6, Michael O’Leary said the situation is deteriorating, with the low-cost carrier now forced to divert nearly one flight per day due to unruly behavior linked to alcohol consumption.
“It’s becoming a real challenge for all airlines,” O’Leary said. “I don’t understand why anyone is serving alcohol at five or six in the morning.”

A call for stricter controls

O’Leary pointed to regulatory gaps in airport alcohol sales, arguing that exemptions from standard licensing rules allow bars and outlets to serve drinks at hours when pubs would normally be closed.
“Alcohol should not be served in airports outside normal pub opening hours,” he said, proposing a system that would also limit passengers to two drinks during permitted times. Such a cap, he suggested, could be enforced using boarding passes.

Rising incidents and airline response

Ryanair, which operates primarily across Europe, has already taken steps to address disruptive behavior.
Last year, the airline announced a €500 fine for passengers removed from flights due to misconduct. However, O’Leary indicated that responsibility extends beyond airlines.
“We are reasonably responsible, but those who are not—the ones profiting—are the airports,” he told The Times.

Alcohol and drug use concerns

O’Leary also highlighted the role of substance abuse in escalating incidents, describing a “toxic mix” of alcohol and drug use among some passengers.
“And women are as guilty as men in this,” he added.
Ryanair has not responded to a request from AFP to clarify when alcohol sales begin on its own flights.

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