Ryanair's O'Leary urges pre-flight morning booze ban

Here at RTÉ News, we report on issues that directly impact Irish travelers and the aviation industry, and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary's latest call for a pre-flight morning booze ban is certainly grabbing attention. O'Leary, a prominent figure in European aviation, argues that the escalating problem of drunk and aggressive passengers is becoming unmanageable, forcing airlines like his to divert flights almost daily. His frustration is palpable, particularly directed at the perceived lack of control over alcohol sales at airports during early morning hours.

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boozy behaviour

O'Leary's proposal to ban alcohol sales before morning flights and limit consumption to two drinks per person, potentially tracked via boarding passes, is a bold move aimed at tackling what he describes as a "volatile mix of alcohol and 'people shoving powder (drugs) up their nose.'" He specifically points fingers at airports, accusing them of "profiteering" from alcohol sales outside of traditional licensing hours, thereby exacerbating the problem. This perspective, coming from the head of a major low-cost carrier, highlights the significant operational and safety challenges posed by disruptive passengers.

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It's becoming a real challenge for all airlines

While O'Leary's comments often generate debate, his points about passenger behavior resonate with many in the industry. The issue of unruly passengers is not unique to Ryanair; it affects all carriers and airports. His call for stricter regulations, particularly concerning early morning alcohol consumption, reflects a growing concern within the airline sector about maintaining safety and order in the skies. The mention that "women are as bad offenders as the men" also adds a layer, suggesting the problem is widespread across demographics, further underscoring the need for a comprehensive solution.

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I fail to understand why anybody is serving people at five or six o'clock in the morning