Ryanair Seeks UK Airport Alcohol Ban Amid Flight Diversions

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has called for a ban on early morning alcohol sales and a two-drink limit at UK airports, citing a dramatic increase in disruptions from intoxicated passengers. The proposal targets what O'Leary describes as a loophole in airside alcohol licensing laws, which he argues contributes to a situation forcing his airline to divert nearly one flight per day. The push for a Ryanair airport alcohol ban comes as new unruly airline passenger statistics show a worsening global trend.

The low-cost carrier reports a significant escalation in alcohol-related incidents, rising from approximately one diversion per week a decade ago to nearly one daily in 2026. O'Leary places direct responsibility on airports, accusing them of "profiteering" by serving alcohol at hours when traditional pubs are closed, effectively exporting the problem to airlines. The core of the Michael O'Leary pint ban proposal is to prohibit alcohol sales before 10 AM and implement a mandatory two-drink maximum for passengers before they board a flight.

The Regulatory Landscape

At the heart of the issue is the Licensing Act 2003, which exempts airside bars and restaurants at designated international airports in England and Wales from standard licensing hours. This exemption allows for 24-hour alcohol service, a practice O'Leary wants curtailed. While the UK government has previously reviewed this policy, including a call for evidence in 2018-2019, no legislative changes were made.

Existing laws already carry severe penalties for disruptive behavior. The UK's Aviation (Offences) Act 2003 makes being drunk on an aircraft a criminal offense, carrying a fine of up to £5,000 and a potential prison sentence of up to two years. Internationally, the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14), an amendment to the Tokyo Convention, has helped close jurisdictional loopholes. It grants the destination country the authority to prosecute unruly passengers, regardless of the aircraft's state of registry, making it easier for law enforcement to intervene upon landing.

A Growing Industry-Wide Problem

Ryanair's experience reflects a broader global issue. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the rate of unruly passenger incidents increased globally in 2023. The organization recorded one incident for every 480 flights, a notable rise from one in every 568 flights in 2022. The most common types of incidents involve non-compliance with crew instructions, verbal abuse, and intoxication. IATA continues to advocate for stricter enforcement and international cooperation to manage the problem, providing resources and guidelines on its Unruly Passengers program page.

In response, airlines are increasingly taking legal action to recoup financial losses. Diversions are costly, involving extra fuel, landing fees, and passenger re-accommodation expenses. In a recent case, Ryanair sought €15,000 in damages from a single passenger whose disruptive behavior forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert. Other carriers, like Jet2, are lobbying for a shared national database to prevent passengers banned from one airline from simply flying with another.

Stakeholder and Political Reaction

The proposal has drawn criticism from other sectors. Sir Tim Martin, founder of the pub chain JD Wetherspoon, which operates numerous airport locations, defended his establishments. He noted that they had voluntarily stopped selling shots and