May 8, 2026, 2:55 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Those flying early in the morning should no longer be able to get alcohol at the airport, according to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. The reason: An increasing number of drunk passengers are causing problems on board–even leading to flight diversions.
O’Leary criticizes, according to a report by BILD, that alcohol is served at airports as early as “five or six in the morning.” His demand: Sales only during regular pub hours–at least in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he advocates for a limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger at airports.
More Incidents Due to Drunk Passengers
According to the Ryanair CEO, the situation has significantly worsened. “If I look back ten years, we might have had one flight diversion a week; now I would say we have almost one a day,” he told the British “Times.”
He primarily blames alcohol–often in combination with drugs. O’Leary specifically mentioned that “people snorting powder” are also problematic. Such cases, from the airline’s perspective, endanger the crew and fellow passengers.
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Limits and Penalties Under Discussion
The airline has long been advocating for stricter rules at airports. The two-drink limit is to be monitored using the boarding pass. The goal is to curb excessive consumption before boarding.
Ryanair has already introduced a fine of 500 euros for unruly passengers. In particularly severe cases, the company goes further: After a flight disruption, the airline sued a heavily intoxicated passenger for 15,000 euros in damages.
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Criticism Directed at Airports
O’Leary places the responsibility primarily on the airports. “We behave sensibly and responsibly, but those who do not act responsibly and profit from it are the airports,” he said.
However, it remains unclear how Ryanair itself handles alcohol on board. The company left a request on this matter unanswered. What is clear: The debate over stricter rules is likely to continue as long as incidents increase.