The airline recently announced legal action against disruptive passengers as part of a broader crackdown on misconduct. It has filed a civil case in Ireland seeking €15,000 in damages from a passenger whose behaviour allegedly caused a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to be diverted to Porto in April last year.

According to Ryanair, the costs include €7,000 for overnight accommodation for more than 160 passengers and six crew members, €2,500 in landing and handling fees at Porto Airport, and €2,500 in Portuguese legal fees.

A Ryanair spokesperson criticized European governments for failing to address disruptive passenger behaviour that threatens flight safety and forces diversions.

“It is time for EU authorities to take action to limit alcohol sales at airports,” the spokesperson said. “Airlines like Ryanair already restrict alcohol sales on board, particularly for disruptive passengers. However, during flight delays, passengers can consume unlimited amounts of alcohol at airports, leading to problems during flights.”

The airline argues that introducing a two-drink limit—enforced using boarding passes, similar to duty-free alcohol sales—would improve passenger behaviour and create a safer travel experience across Europe.

Ryanair first proposed this measure in August last year when CEO Michael O’Leary highlighted a rise in in-flight disorder.