Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary has noted a significant increase in disruptive behaviour, primarily caused by drunkenness and drug use, making it the top issue for cabin crew.
The rise in incidents involving passengers under the influence of substances like alcohol, “powder,” or “tablets” has led to more aggressive behaviour and assaults, with cases occurring weekly.
Problematic behaviour is particularly prevalent on flights from beach destinations such as Ibiza and Greek islands to regional airports like Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, and Edinburgh, with stricter measures like bag searches implemented to prevent alcohol onboard.
Despite efforts to curb disruptive behaviour, fights among passengers and assaults have become a growing trend, with the director of inflight services highlighting that offenders often do not fit a specific profile and can be unexpected..
Mr O’Leary said: “Ibiza is by far and away the worst destination for it. There’s now a higher rate of people on powder or tablets and alcohol which brings on more aggressive behaviour. We have to deal with assault cases on a weekly basis. The problem is notably bad on flights from Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh. We have to bring in measures such as bag searches take place to ensure no alcohol is brought on board.”
