Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $15,000 in damages from a passenger whose alleged disruptive behavior forced a flight diversion and overnight delay last year. The legal action signals the carrier’s intensified approach toward addressing in-flight misconduct.
The airline filed proceedings in the Irish Circuit Court regarding an April 2023 incident where a Dublin to Lanzarote flight was diverted to Porto, Portugal. The diversion affected 160 passengers who required overnight accommodation.
Ryanair is pursuing compensation for “overnight accommodation, passenger expenses, and landing costs,” according to the company’s statement. While the specific nature of the passenger’s behavior was not disclosed, the airline characterized this legal action as part of a “major misconduct clampdown.”
“It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing Summer holiday – are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of one unruly passenger’s behavior,” Ryanair stated. The company added that this action demonstrates “one of the many consequences that passengers who disrupt flights will face as part of Ryanair’s zero-tolerance policy.”
Ryanair Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary highlighted growing concerns about passenger behavior in August, calling for airports to limit travelers to two alcoholic drinks per boarding pass. O’Leary noted that passenger conduct has evolved beyond simply falling asleep or becoming unsteady, citing that “tablets and powder” were contributing to “much more aggressive behavior” directed at crew members and other passengers.
“Passengers fighting with each other is now a growing trend on board the aircraft,” O’Leary said, stating that such incidents occur weekly.
Social media platforms have amplified the visibility of disruptive passenger incidents. In 2023, British traveler Piers Sawyer, 23, gained notoriety after being caught engaging in inappropriate behavior in an easyJet flight bathroom en route to Ibiza. Sawyer’s mom also spoke publicly about the “embarrassing” moment.
That same year, Tiffany Gomas, 40, attracted widespread attention following her removal from an American Airlines flight. After her meltdown on the flight, she was dubbed the “Crazy Plane Lady” and gained 162,000 Instagram followers.
Under European Union regulations, airlines must provide compensation and accommodation for flights delayed by three or more hours. The current legal action represents Ryanair’s effort to recover such costs from passengers deemed responsible for delays.
The issue extends beyond air travel, with popular tourist destinations implementing stricter measures against disruptive behavior. Recent incidents include tourists swimming near Venice’s San Michele Cemetery and climbing statues to perform lewd poses in Florence. At the same time, visitors to Barcelona faced local resistance, including being sprayed with water pistols in July.