- Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has called for a two drink limit at airport bars
- He suggested boarding passes could be used to enforce the rule
- O’Leary wants airside bars to ban early morning alcohol sales before 5am or 6am
- Ryanair diverts one to two flights a week due to disruptive passengers
- The proposal has prompted public discussion and polling
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has called for a two drink limit for passengers at airport bars. He suggested boarding passes could be used to enforce the rule as a way to curb disruptive behaviour on flights. O’Leary argued that airport drinking has become a major safety challenge for the aviation industry, particularly during long flight delays when passengers overindulge.
Passengers would be required to show their boarding passes at airport bars to track and cap their alcohol consumption at a maximum of two drinks. O’Leary wants airside airport bars, which are currently exempt from standard local pub licensing laws, to ban early morning alcohol sales before 5am or 6am. He criticised airports for profiteering from unlimited alcohol sales during delays, effectively passing the consequences onto airline cabin crews.
The proposal has prompted public discussion and polling. Critics raised objections including enforcement challenges, accusations of hypocrisy given Ryanair sells alcohol on its own flights, and infringement on liberty. Some suggested alternative solutions including stricter gate enforcement, breathalyser tests at boarding or forcing disruptive passengers to foot the cost of flight diversions. Ryanair now diverts one to two flights a week due to disruptive passengers.
Michael O’Leary shared “My view is two will do.”
