Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, told a press conference yesterday (August 31) that the Irish carrier had written to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) urging a limit be imposed to tackle the "growing problem" of drunken customers onboard.

“We see no reason not to have a ban,” he told journalists.

O’Leary cited statistics from the CAA, which reported a 600% increase in "disruptive passenger incidents" in the UK between 2012 and 2016, with most "involving alcohol".

"We want a ban on all alcohol sales at airports before 10am and a limit of two or three alcoholic drinks per passenger thereafter."

O’Leary said he believed the ban was a "reasonable and modest proposal", adding that Ryanair was awaiting a response from the CAA on the issue.

He added: "You have to ask why anyone needs to load up before a flight. We don’t need hen and stag parties loading up at airports."

O’Leary concluded: "This is not about us selling more drinks. Given our trolley service we wouldn’t be able to serve more than two drinks on a flight… it’s a safety issue."