Airport bars may soon face restrictions on serving alcohol in the early morning 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 flights being diverted due to disruptive behavior caused by intoxicated passengers. He emphasized that these passengers often indulge in lengthy drinking sessions at airport bars before boarding their flights.
Unlike regular bars, airport pubs are not bound by the same licensing regulations. O’Leary, aged 65, believes that implementing stricter alcohol serving policies at airports could help reduce in-flight disturbances and benefit airlines in the long run.
O’Leary critiqued the practice of serving alcohol as early as 5 or 6 a.m. at airport bars, questioning the necessity of consuming alcohol at such hours. He advocated for restricting alcohol sales at airports outside of normal licensing hours to curb unruly behavior.
Recent incidents, such as a disruptive passenger causing chaos on a Ryanair flight from Poland to Bristol, have underscored the need for stricter alcohol regulations. O’Leary has long been an advocate for limiting passengers to two drinks each, accusing airports of prioritizing profits over passenger safety.
While emphasizing Ryanair’s responsible alcohol service onboard, O’Leary acknowledged the growing issue of drug use exacerbating in-flight disturbances. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behavior.
O’Leary emphasized the legal repercussions of being intoxicated on a flight, including potential imprisonment and hefty fines. He warned that aggressive passengers face severe consequences, including legal action and financial liabilities.
Flights to popular tourist destinations like Ibiza, Alicante, and Tenerife have been particularly affected by disruptive incidents. O’Leary stressed the need for a collaborative effort among airlines, airports, and authorities to address the escalating problem of intoxicated passengers causing disturbances during flights.