Ryanair CEO suggests banning early morning alcohol sales at airports

The skies are becoming increasingly unruly, and Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has had enough. He's calling for a drastic measure: a ban on alcohol sales at airport bars before morning flights. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; O'Leary states that Ryanair is forced to divert a flight nearly every single day because of aggressive, drunken passengers. This situation is escalating into a significant challenge for airlines, disrupting schedules and creating unsafe environments.

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The problem is getting worse and Ryanair has to divert one plane almost every day because of the inappropriate behavior of drunken passengers.

O'Leary points the finger at airport licensing loopholes that allow bars to serve alcohol at ungodly hours, questioning the logic of serving drinks at 5 or 6 AM. His proposal includes a complete ban during early morning hours and a strict limit of two alcoholic beverages per person at other times, with sales tracked through boarding passes. This approach aims to regain control and ensure a more pleasant, and crucially, safer travel experience for everyone.

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It is becoming a real challenge for all airlines.

While Ryanair itself hasn't commented on its in-flight alcohol service, O'Leary emphasizes that the primary responsibility lies with airports, which he believes are profiting from the problem. He also noted that passengers removed from flights for bad behavior will face a hefty €500 fine. O'Leary didn't mince words, adding that the issue is compounded by the combination of alcohol and illicit substances, and disturbingly, that women are as much a part of the problem as men.

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I don't understand why anyone serves alcohol at five or six in the morning.

This call for stricter alcohol controls reflects a growing concern within the aviation industry about passenger conduct. From a European perspective, where budget airlines like Ryanair are a staple for many travelers, ensuring a baseline level of decorum is essential. While Western media might focus on the inconvenience or the airline's cost-saving image, the reality on the ground, as highlighted by O'Leary, is about safety and the fundamental right of passengers and crew to a secure flight. The proposal, if implemented, could significantly alter the pre-flight experience, prioritizing order over early-morning revelry.

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profit from the sale of alcohol