Airport bars may need to reconsider their alcohol serving hours, according to Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary. O’Leary, who has led Ryanair for over three decades, expressed concerns about the increasing number of disruptive and intoxicated passengers causing flight diversions. He highlighted that these passengers often consume alcohol for extended periods at airport bars before boarding flights.
Unlike regular bars, airport pubs are not required to adhere to the same licensing regulations. O’Leary, 65, emphasized the need to align airport alcohol service hours with standard licensing hours to mitigate unruly behavior during flights.
O’Leary criticized the early morning alcohol service at airport bars, questioning the necessity of serving drinks at such hours. He suggested banning alcohol service outside of licensed hours to promote a safer flying environment.
Recent incidents, such as a disruptive passenger causing chaos on a Ryanair flight from Poland to Bristol, underscore the need for stricter alcohol regulations. O’Leary has long advocated for a two-drink limit per person to prevent alcohol-related incidents and criticized airports for overlooking this issue.
While acknowledging Ryanair’s responsible alcohol service onboard, O’Leary highlighted the emerging concern of drug use among passengers exacerbating disruptive behavior. He warned that intoxicated passengers instigating conflicts pose a significant safety risk.
O’Leary stressed the legal consequences of unruly behavior onboard, emphasizing that being drunk on a plane is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and hefty fines. Passengers engaging in threatening or abusive behavior could face further legal actions and financial penalties.
Instances of disruptive behavior on flights to popular tourist destinations like Ibiza, Alicante, and Tenerife have been on the rise. O’Leary’s firm stance on maintaining order and safety onboard reflects the airline’s commitment to passenger well-being and flight security.
