In the fight against the increasing number of violent incidents on board planes, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has called for a limit on alcohol consumption before flights. In an interview with the British newspaper "Telegraph," O'Leary stated that passengers should be allowed to purchase a maximum of two alcoholic drinks per boarding pass at airports. This measure is necessary, he explained, as violent incidents, often triggered by excessive alcohol consumption, have significantly increased in recent months. "Assaults are occurring almost weekly," O'Leary emphasized.
O'Leary points out that it is difficult for airlines to identify drunk passengers at the gate, especially when they are traveling in groups. "As long as they can stand and move, they get through. It's only when the airplane takes off that misbehavior occurs," said the Ryanair CEO.
Although O'Leary emphasized that he did not want to forbid anyone from enjoying alcohol, he drew a comparison to road traffic: 'We don't allow people to drive cars while drunk, yet we continue to put them in airplanes at 33,000 feet.'
Especially on flights from the United Kingdom to popular party destinations like Ibiza or some Greek islands, there are repeatedly alcohol-related incidents. An incident from July, in which a British tourist sexually harassed a flight attendant on a Ryanair flight from Newcastle to Mallorca, ended with a suspended sentence.
O'Leary sees the combination of alcohol with drugs like cocaine as another factor for the increase in such incidents. However, there are similar problems on flights from Ireland or Germany. Days with many delays are particularly problematic: "People hang around at airports and consume alcohol." It is better to pass the waiting time with coffee or tea.
The demand for a drinks limit would not have any negative impact on airport bar revenue, according to O'Leary. Rather, it is about ensuring safety on board.
Ryanair's shares reacted slightly negatively to O'Leary's statements on Wednesday, temporarily trading 0.41 percent lower at 15.745 euros in Dublin.
With this clear demand, O'Leary once again makes it clear that he is ready to take unconventional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers on board his aircraft.
