We at TTG believe the frank exchange of views is vital to progress. Our Big Question feature returns this month, exploring the topic of disruptive air passenger behaviour – and the extent to which alcohol can exacerbate the issue.
At around 10.45pm on 9 April 2024, Ryanair flight FR7124 touched down in Porto. Only, flight FR7124 wasn’t supposed to land in Porto, it had been due to fly from Dublin to Lanzarote.
The flight was diverted due to an incident of disruptive passenger behaviour; 160 passengers and six crew had to be put up overnight at a cost of €7,000, and weren’t on their way until the next day. Ryanair estimates the total cost of the diversion has so far run to €15,350.
It insists alcohol is a significant, but not the sole, contributor to incidents of disruptive behaviour. Yet chief executive Michael O’Leary has repeatedly called for limits on the sale of alcohol at airports, and just last month, renewed his call for a two-drink limit.
TTG invited Ryanair to participate in this edition of The Big Question, but it failed to comment in time.
A 2019 Home Office call for evidence on airside alcohol licensing heard alcohol was the single largest factor in incidents of disruptive passenger behaviour from UK airports, with “many airlines” reporting it accounting for more than half of all incidents.
Last year, a Jet2.com passenger – whose behaviour after consuming alcohol purchased from duty free prevented one of its flights taking off from Antalya – was jailed for four months. Jet2.com shares Ryanair’s “zero-tolerance” stance.
So what is being done to prevent disruptive behaviour? Here, two experts give their opinions.
What do you think? Join in the debate in the comments below, or email feedback@ttgmedia.com. Alternatively, head to one of TTG’s social media channels to get involved.
