- Ryanair’s flight from Dublin to Lanzarote diverted to Porto on April 9, 2024, due to a disruptive (inebriated) passenger.
- Over 160 passengers and six crew members had to stay overnight in Porto, costing Ryanair €15,000.
- Legal action is being pursued in Ireland to recover the expenses.
- Ryanair calls for a restriction of two alcoholic drinks per passenger in airports to prevent such incidents.
Ryanair has urged European authorities to curb airport alcohol sales after a rowdy, inebriated passenger caused a major flight disruption. The airline’s call for action comes amid ongoing legal proceedings to recover costs linked to the incident.
Costly Flight Diversion to Porto
On April 9, 2024, a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote faced unexpected trouble when a disruptive passenger forced the crew to divert to Porto. After landing, the unruly traveller was removed from the plane and detained by local authorities. The diversion, however, triggered a cascade of expenses and complications.
Ryanair detailed the financial burden caused by the incident. Crew duty limits meant the plane and its passengers—more than 160—had to spend the night in Porto. The airline covered the cost of accommodations, meals, and additional logistics. To manage the delayed return flight from Lanzarote to Dublin, an extra aircraft and crew had to be deployed on April 10, 2024.
Financial Breakdown
The airline revealed the disruption cost them €15,000, a sum Ryanair claims was entirely avoidable. A spokesperson stated, “None of these costs would have been incurred if this disruptive passenger hadn’t forced the diversion to Porto. Ensuring the safety of the 160 passengers and six crew members on board was the only priority.”
Legal Battle Against the Passenger
Ryanair took legal steps to recover their losses. The case, initially handled under Portuguese jurisdiction, was redirected to Ireland since the plane and passenger were Irish. Now, Ryanair is seeking compensation through civil proceedings in Irish courts.
Ryanair Pushes for Alcohol Restrictions
This incident has reignited Ryanair’s criticism of lax alcohol policies in European airports. The airline believes unrestricted drinking at airports contributes to disruptive behaviours in flight. A spokesperson raised concerns:
“During flight delays, passengers are consuming excess alcohol at airports without any limit on purchase or consumption. We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to 2 alcoholic drinks (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way they limit duty free sales), as this would result in safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.“
Ryanair pointed out that they already impose strict limits on alcohol sales aboard their planes, particularly for problem passengers. Yet, they argue that the lack of control at airports undermines their efforts.
