Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has proposed a two-drink limit for airport passengers to reduce the rising incidents of violent behaviour on flights.
O’Leary suggested that restricting alcohol consumption before boarding could help address increasing in-flight altercations.
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in attacks on staff and conflicts between passengers, with reports indicating that such incidents now occur weekly. O’Leary pointed out the challenge of identifying intoxicated passengers before they board, noting that problematic behaviour often becomes evident only after take-off.
He highlighted a troubling trend where passengers mix alcohol with other substances, leading to more aggressive actions. “Previously, people who drank too much would fall over or fall asleep,” O’Leary explained. “But now those passengers are also on tablets and powder. The mix creates more aggressive behaviour. It becomes tough to manage.”
O’Leary emphasized that the growing trend of passenger altercations is directed at the crew and involves passengers fighting each other. He clarified that the intention is not to stop people from enjoying a drink. Still, he drew a parallel to drink-driving, questioning the wisdom of allowing intoxicated individuals on planes at high altitudes.
