Ryanair introduces £500 penalty for disruptive passengers

Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, has announced a new policy imposing a £500 fine on passengers deemed disruptive and subsequently removed from flights. The airline described this as the “minimum” penalty, with potential civil damages pursued in addition. This policy aims to deter unacceptable behaviour by a minority of travellers, which often causes unnecessary disruption for other passengers.

The move comes as unruly behaviour in the air continues to be a concern across the aviation industry. Issues such as drunkenness, aggression, and rudeness have, in extreme cases, forced flight diversions, causing inconvenience and significant costs. The Civil Aviation Authority highlighted that fines for such incidents can exceed £10,000 when factoring in the expense of rerouting a plane. Meanwhile, legal repercussions range from five-figure fines to prison sentences spanning up to five years, depending on the severity of the offence.

A Ryanair spokesperson noted that most passengers behave responsibly, with disruptive incidents being isolated but impactful enough to demand stronger measures. The airline reported carrying over 200 million passengers during 2024 and 2025, underscoring the scale of its operations. However, even occasional incidents amplify operational risks and customer dissatisfaction.

In a bid to address this growing issue, Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, has advocated for stricter alcohol restrictions in airports, proposing a two-drink limit for passengers. He has argued that alcohol consumption leading up to flights is a key contributor to inappropriate behaviour onboard.

Earlier this year, a legal claim launched by Ryanair shed light on specific costs it incurred from disruptive passengers. The airline pursued €15,000 in damages after a Dublin-to-Lanzarote flight was forced to divert to Portugal in 2024. The case emphasised the financial burden on the company, covering costs for re-accommodation and disrupted itineraries for 160 passengers, many of whom lost an entire day of their travel plans due to one individual’s behaviour.

The introduction of this penalty reflects Ryanair’s commitment to prioritising the safety and experience of its passengers while holding accountable those who jeopardise these standards. This policy is expected to serve as a preventative measure, reinforcing acceptable conduct during air travel.