Ryanair CEO Proposes Alcohol Limits for Passengers at Airport Bars

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has proposed a two-drink limit per passenger at airport bars in an effort to address the growing issue of drunken disorder both on flights and in airports.

Speaking with the Daily Telegraph, O’Leary expressed concern over the rise in alcohol-fueled incidents, noting that the combination of alcohol with “powder and tablets” has led to an increase in assaults on cabin crew and confrontations among passengers.

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O’Leary highlighted the challenge airlines face in identifying intoxicated passengers, as they often manage to blend in with others and appear sober from the boarding gate until they take their seats. “As long as they can stand up and shuffle, they will get through. Then when the plane takes off, we see the misbehavior,” he explained.

He also pointed out that the “record high” flight delays this summer have exacerbated the problem, as many travelers resort to spending extended periods at airport bars while waiting for their flights. According to O’Leary, air traffic control delays have contributed to these frequent delays, ryanair seats leading to flights not departing on time.

O’Leary reported a “notable rise” in violent, alcohol-related incidents during flights, with assaults being reported on a weekly basis. To mitigate these issues, Ryanair has already implemented measures such as bag searches for alcohol on flights to popular “party destinations” like Ibiza and the Greek islands.

The CEO emphasized that assaults on cabin crew are the most pressing concern, though he also noted an increase in altercations between passengers. He attributed the surge in aggressive behavior to passengers mixing alcohol with other substances, underlining the need for stricter alcohol consumption controls at airports.