Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary is calling for responsible monitoring of pre-flight drinking at airports.
He has expressed concern over the increasing number of air rage incidents this summer.
O’Leary attributes this rise partly to the high volume of flight delays, which give passengers more time to consume alcohol and lead to frustration during long waits in airport lounges.
To tackle this issue, O’Leary suggests implementing a two-drink maximum per boarding pass at airports to regulate airport drinking. He highlighted a surge in unruly passengers on flights, mainly due to flight delays, resulting in increased incidents of in-flight altercations.
O’Leary mentioned that passenger conflicts onboard flights have become a significant challenge for airline crews, with assaults occurring on a weekly basis. He specifically pointed out flights from Liverpool and Glasgow to Ibiza as problematic routes.
To address this, strict measures are in place, such as prohibiting passengers from carrying any bottles on Ibiza flights. Those found intoxicated on an aircraft could face fines up to £5,000 and a two-year prison sentence, which can extend to five years if the incident jeopardizes flight safety.
