Low-cost carrier Ryanair is no stranger to disruptive behaviour occurring on its flights. The Ryanair boss suggests alcohol limits as a solution to the problem.
ALCOHOL LIMITS AT AIRPORTS
The Irish budget airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary says that restrictions on alcohol consumption before flights could help to limit these incidents on flights.
He says passengers should be restricted to two drinks at airports before flights.
However, this requires retailers and food and beverage outlets located at airports to regulate the sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
Placing limits on alcohol might in fact impact their ability to generate income.
ALCOHOL LIMITS FOR RYANAIR PASSENGERS
The Ryanair CEO said that introducing alcohol limits at airports would help tackle a rise in disorder on flights.
“Violent outbursts seem to be occurring more often on flights,” O’Leary said.
These often result from alcohol consumption but are even more common when alcohol is mixed with other substances.
“We don’t want to begrudge people having a drink. We don’t allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33 000 feet.” O’Leary told the Daily Telegraph.
UNRULY BEHAVIOUR
Cabin crew and other passengers on flights have become victims of unruly behaviour by some passengers.
Flight delays often contribute to the extended periods that passengers can consume alcohol before their flights.
However, passengers taking tablets and other substances may also become unruly on flights.
“It’s the mix. You get much more aggressive behaviour that becomes very difficult to manage.” He said.
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PARTY DESTINATIONS
Ryanair said that the unruly behaviour is noticeable on particular routes. These in fact include Ibiza and the Greek Islands.
BBC reports that Ryanair staff search bags for alcohol before passengers can board their flights to Ibiza.
The Spanish island is known to be one of the worst-affected party destinations.
Other challenging flight destinations include some Greek islands.
PENALTIES FOR UNRULY PASSENGERS
A spokesperson from AirportsUK said that unruly behaviour, whether due to alcohol or other causes, is unacceptable and could lead to penalties.
These penalties include fines, being denied boarding or up to two years imprisonment.
The AirportsUK spokesperson said that airports have various measures to monitor and handle disruptive behaviour when carrying out a mandate to ensure safety for all passengers.
